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    Goddesses’ Abode-Yamunotri Shrine

    • sbmalik from new delhi
    • September 28, 2006
    Yamunotri PeaksMore Photos
    Yamunotri Shrine
    The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra (Four Religious Places Journey) of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh (Monkey’s Tail) peak (3165 mts. above sea level). The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.

    The temple of Yamunotri falls on the left bank of River Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century. Once destroyed by an earthquake, it has been rebuilt. Near the temple are three hot springs, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms. from Janki Chatti. The temple remains closed from November to April.

    The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "four dhams" of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer puja at the temple itself. Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.

    The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.
    ${QuickSuggestions} Yamunotri Altitude: 3,165 mts.
    Climate:
    Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
    Winter: Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
    Clothing summer: Light woollens. Winter : Very heavy woollens.
    Languages: Hindi, Garhwali, English
    Accommodation: Tourist Rest Houses of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam are available at Barkot, Syana Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Phool Chatti, Janki Chatti and Yamunotri. Other private lodges are also available. It is advisable to book in advance during peak season.

    Eating Out: Tourist Rest Houses provide reasonable good food. Local eating houses (dhabas) are also available. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Yamunotri.

    Sayanachatti : 29 kms. from Barkot is a scenic spot on the banks of river Yamuna.

    Hanumanchatti : The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307 mts) starts.

    8 km from Barkot is Gangani, a place of pilgrimage, on the left bank of Yamuna. The holy tank here is called Gangayan Kund. Water from the tank is taken for puja purposes to the opposite village of Than, housing the imposing temple of Rishi Jamdagni. 2 kms. from Gangani is Kharadi a place known for its roaring waterfall.
    ${BestWay} How to reach:
    The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road from Rishikesh bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi. Another 55 km away is Barkot. Barkot is also approachable by road directly from Delhi (334 km) via Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainbagh and Naugaon. The motorable road continues till Jankichatti (2600 m MSL) via Syanachatti, Ranachatti and Hanumanchatti, 50 km from Barkot. The road up to Rana Chatti is accessible by all vehicles but beyond this point, for about 16 kms to Janki Chatti, the road is fit only for light vehicles. From Jankichatti it’s a 5 km trek to Yamunotri for which ponies, dandies (pilgrims on a chair carried by four persons) and kandies (baskets for carrying single person) are also available.

    Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 18 kms from Rishikesh.

    Rail: Nearest railhead is Dehradun which is 172 km from Yamunotri and Rishikesh, at a distance of 222 kms.

    From journal Goddesses’ Abode-Yamunotri Shrine