Yamunotri, Uttarakhand India

The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7 km. Away).
The actual source a frozen lake of ice & glacier (Champasar glacier) located on the Kalind mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is not frequented generally as it is not accessible and hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.
The temple of Yamuna is on the left bank of Yamuna constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna like Ganga has been elavated to the status of divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.
Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the most important Kund. Near the Suryakund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam.The pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Kharsali near Jankichatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites well versed in Shastras.

Yamunotri Temple Guide

The temple open on Akshay Tritiya (May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali, November).
Yamunotri Temple is open for devotees from 6am to 8pm
Aarti timings of Yamunotri temple is from 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The special pooja is organized in Yamunotri on the eves of Janmashtami and Diwali.

History and Legends about Badrinath

According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. All his life, he bathed daily both in Ganga and Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him.
The temple and the place opens every year on the auspicious day of the akshya-tritya, which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. The temple always closes on the sacred day of Diwali mid- Oct. - 1st week of Nov., with a brief ceremony, the temple staff return to their villages and for the rest of the time the valley is gripped in no man silence and covered with white sheet of snow. With melting of snow next summer, temple re-opens to blissful happiness of thousands of visitors again.
"The daughter of the Sun god, Surya and consciousness, Sangya the birth place of the Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier (4421 m) just below the Banderpoonch mountain. The mountain adjacent to the river source is dedicated to her father, and is called Kalinda Parvat. Kalinda being another name of Surya. Yamuna is known for her frivolousness, a trait that she developed because as per a common story - Yamuna's mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband.

Surya Kund

There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila

A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

JankiChatti

5 km from Yamunotri, it is noted for it's thermal springs , where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.

Hanumanchatti

13 km from Yamunotri. The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers,from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307mt)starts.Route:Rishikesh-Barkot -Hanumanchatti-Yamunotri. Hanumanchatti -Darvatop -Dodital-Agora-Uttarkashi-Rishikesh.Porters and ponies are available at Hanumanchatti.Rates are fixed by District Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.

Sayanachatti

27 km from Barkot & 18 km from Yamunotri is a scenic spot on the bank of river Yamuna.

Chamba

Situated at an elevation of 1,524 mt,it is a picturesque place commanding a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Road from here bifurcates for Mussoorie, New Tehri and Rishikesh.
The best time to visit Yamunotri is between May-June and September-November. Due to heavy rainfall in the area, visitors may face difficulty reaching the temple during monsoon season (late June to Aug). Tthe temple usually remains open from last week of April to 2nd week of November.

Climate

Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.

Clothing

Summer: Light Woollens.
Winter: Very Heavy Woollens.

How to reach Yamunotri

Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.
Road: The road to Yamunotri diverts from Rishikesh-Gangotri road at Dharasu.
Important road distances : Hanumanchatti 13 km; Dharasu 107 km; Tehri 149 km.
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km via Narendranagar 16 km, Chamba 46 km, Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Sayanachatti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6km, Phoolchatti 5 km, Jankichatti 3 km and Yamunotri 6 km.