Yamunotri

Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is the origin place of the sacred Yamuna River. It is considered one of the four important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism (Char Dham). This is the place from where the holy Yamuna River originates.

Every year, during the summer season, a large number of pilgrims visit Yamunotri. According to Hindu scriptures, the Yamuna River is believed to be the daughter of Surya Dev (Sun God) and the sister of Yamraj, the God of Death.

It is believed that a person who takes a holy bath in the Yamuna River is protected from suffering at the time of death by Yamraj. Near Yamunotri, there are several hot water springs where pilgrims cook food. The Yamuna Temple is the main attraction of this sacred place.

Let us learn about the mythological significance of Yamunotri and the important places to visit here.

Mythological Story of Yamunotri

According to a popular legend, Yamuna and Yamraj were born to Surya Dev and his wife Chhaya. Yamuna descended to Earth in the form of a river, while Yamraj became the ruler of Yamlok.

It is believed that Yamuna asked her brother Yamraj for a boon on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. She requested that anyone who takes a bath in the Yamuna River on this day should not have to go to Yamlok after death.

Because of this belief, devotees consider that bathing in the holy waters of Yamuna on Bhai Dooj frees a person from the fear of untimely death and helps attain salvation. Due to this faith, thousands of devotees visit Yamunotri every year.

According to another mythological story, the ashram of Sage Asit was located in Yamunotri. The sage used to travel daily to the Ganga River for bathing and return to his ashram.

When Sage Asit became old, it became difficult for him to cross the challenging mountain paths every day. It is believed that at that time, Goddess Ganga manifested a small stream near the sage’s ashram for his convenience.

This stream, known as Asit Ganga, still exists today, and pilgrims visiting Yamunotri often visit this sacred place.

Places to Visit in Yamunotri

The major religious attractions of Yamunotri include:

Yamuna Temple
Surya Kund
Gauri Kund
Kharsali

Let us know more about these sacred places.

Yamuna Temple

The Yamuna Temple is the main centre of faith in Yamunotri Dham.

According to available information, the temple was built in 1855 by Garhwal King Sudarshan Shah.

The temple doors are opened on Akshaya Tritiya of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakh and are closed on Yam Dwitiya during the month of Kartik.

Surya Kund

Surya Kund is considered the most important hot water spring in Yamunotri.

Devotees prepare prasad here by placing rice and potatoes wrapped in a muslin cloth into the boiling hot water of the spring.

According to religious beliefs, Surya Dev appeared here to meet his daughter Yamuna. Due to this belief, the kund holds great religious significance.

Gauri Kund

The water of Gauri Kund is neither too hot nor too cold, making it suitable for bathing.

After taking a bath here, devotees worship the nearby Divya Shila and perform prayers and aarti of Goddess Yamuna.

Kharsali

Kharsali is a small village located near Yamunotri.

The village is surrounded by natural beauty and has several waterfalls along with an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Near the Yamunotri Temple, there is a sacred stone known as Divya Shila. Devotees worship this stone before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

How to Reach Yamunotri

Yamunotri can be reached through different modes of transportation, but the road route is considered the most convenient option.

By Air

The nearest airport to Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is approximately 210 km away.

Regular flights are available from Delhi to Dehradun. Devotees can also take helicopter services from Dehradun, which provide Yamunotri darshan and return services within a day.