Yamunotri
Location
Yamunotri is located on 3233 mt high mountain in Uttarkashi district of
Uttaranchal.
The Pilgrimage
Rivers in Hindu mythology have been considered equivalent to mother. It
has been believed that these rivers brings fertility to the land, and
helps in growth and development of the living creatures on earth.
Yamuna, one of the holiest rivers of Hindus, is one such greatly revered
rivers of India. The river has been considered as a goddess. Yamuna is
one of the largest rivers of India and covers a vast geographical
stretch in north India. Yamunotri is said to be the sister site of
Gangotri, as Ganga and Yamuna are considered sisters. The temple of
Yamuna was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur, in 19th century. It got
destroyed by a major earthquake in 1923, and was subsequently rebuilt,
before again getting damaged in 1982. The temple remains closed from
November to May, due to heavy snowfall.
History and Myths
The temple is dedicated to Yamuna, one of the holiest rivers of Hindus.
The temple enshrines a silver idol of Yamuna, bedecked with garlands.
Yamuna is daughter of Surya, the Sun, and Sangya, the Goddess of
consciousness. Yamaraj, the god of death, is brother of Yamuna. It is
therefore considered holy to take a bath in Yamuna river. Legends say
that a bath in Yamunotri will relieve a person from a painful death.
According to a myth, Asit Muni, a revered sage, used to reside here.
Religious Associations
There are various hot water springs near the temple. The Surya Kund,
dedicated to lord Sun, has water with temperature as high as 190 F. The
Surya Kund water is used to prepare offerings to the Goddess. Devotees
tie rice and potatoes in a cloth and dip it in the water, where it gets
boiled in the hot water. This is the principle offering to Yamuna
goddess. A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri
Temple, Divya Shila, is to be worshipped before entering the main
temple. There are many temples enroute the Yamunotri trek.
Access
Yamunotri is reached by a uphill trekking of 13 Km. Hanuman Chatti is
the base of the trek. One can get Taxis and Buses from the major cities
of Uttaranchal and and nearby states to Yamunotri. The nearest airport
is the Jolly Grant Airpot, Dehradun, at 196 Km. Rishikesh (213 Km) and
Dehradun (196 km) are the nearest railheads to Yamunotri. Some important
road distances from Yamunotri are: Dharasu 107 Km, Tehri 149 Km,
Rishikesh 213 Km and Dehradun 172 Km.
Accommodations
Government owned rest houses and lodges are available in Hanuman
Chatti, and near the temple. Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri and
on the way to the temple. Alternative accommodation are also available
near the temple.
