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0 The Yamunotri Yatra is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It marks the origin of the Yamuna River, one of the holiest rivers in India. Chardham Tour Operators offers the Yamunotri Temple visits or Yatra packages. The pilgrimage to Yamunotri holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus, as bathing in the river is believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation.
Key Highlights of Yamunotri Yatra:
- Yamunotri Temple:
- The Yamunotri temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- The temple was originally built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and is located near the Yamuna River’s origin.
- The temple is accessible only during the pilgrimage season, typically from April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to October/November (Diwali).
- River Yamuna:
- The river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, located about 6 km further up from the temple at an altitude of 4,421 meters.
- Pilgrims perform rituals and take a holy dip in the river near the temple.
- Hot Springs (Surya Kund):
- There are hot water springs near the temple, known as Surya Kund, where devotees cook rice and potatoes by dipping them in the boiling water, which are then offered as prasad to the deity.
- Yamunotri Trek:
- To reach the temple, pilgrims need to trek 6 km from Janki Chatti, which is the last motorable point.
- The trek is moderate and scenic, passing through dense forests, waterfalls, and picturesque mountain views.
- For those unable to walk, ponies, palanquins, and even helicopter services are available for parts of the journey.
- Book your trek with Tour Operators of Uttarakhand.
- Mythological Significance:
- The river Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God Surya and the sister of Yama, the God of Death. It is said that those who bathe in the Yamuna are spared a painful death.
- Best Time to Visit:
- The ideal time to visit Yamunotri is between May and June and September to October.
- The yatra closes during winter due to heavy snowfall, and the deity is moved to the nearby village of Kharsali for worship.
Route to Yamunotri:
- The journey typically begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- From Haridwar, the route is:
- Haridwar/Rishikesh – Barkot – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri.
- The distance from Haridwar to Yamunotri is around 220 km.
Popular Itinerary (3-4 Days):
- Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh – Barkot.
- Day 2: Barkot – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri (Trek) – Return to Barkot.
- Day 3: Barkot – Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Accommodation:
- Pilgrims can find accommodation in Barkot, Janki Chatti, or the surrounding areas in hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas, get more information with Travel Agents in Haridwarabout yatra related queries.
Considerations:
- The trek can be physically demanding, so proper fitness is advised.
- Monsoon season (July-August) should be avoided due to landslides and heavy rains.
The Yamunotri Yatra is known for its serene natural beauty, blending spiritual fulfillment with the adventure of trekking in the Himalayas. Yamunotri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is the source of the Yamuna River, and the temple here is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri is revered as the westernmost point of the Char Dham circuit.
