Yamunotri Temple

November 5, 2017
Blog
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Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four shrines in the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage journey in the Indian Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, who is considered to be the sister of Lord Yama (the Hindu god of death) and is worshipped for her purifying and life-giving powers. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,291 meters and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

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History of Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is believed to have been built in the 19th century by a Hindu sage named Asit Muni. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural calamities and human activities. It is said that the temple was built at the spot where the goddess Yamuna first appeared as a black, intensely cold stream of water. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year who come to offer prayers and take a dip in the hot springs near the temple, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The temple is surrounded by picturesque natural beauty and is considered to be an important site for religious and cultural tourism in India.

Activities

Pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Temple can participate in the following activities:

Pooja and Aarti – Devotees can offer prayers and perform aarti (a Hindu ritual of worship) to the goddess Yamuna.
Bath in hot springs – The temple is located near hot springs which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Pilgrims take a dip in the hot springs to purify their bodies and minds.
Trekking – The temple can only be reached by foot and the journey to the temple involves a steep trek. The trek provides stunning views of the Himalayas and is considered to be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Exploration – Pilgrims can explore the temple premises and take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Shopping – There are many shops near the temple that sell religious items and souvenirs. Pilgrims can also buy prasad (religious offerings) from the temple.

Overall, the temple provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and rejuvenation and is considered an important site for religious and cultural tourism in India.

Things to do

Here are some things that can be done while visiting Yamunotri Temple:

Offer prayers at the temple – Devotees can perform puja and aarti to the goddess Yamuna.
Take a dip in the hot springs – The temple is located near hot springs which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Pilgrims take a dip in the hot springs to purify their bodies and minds.
Trek to the temple – The journey to the temple involves a steep trek and provides stunning views of the Himalayas.
Explore the temple premises – Pilgrims can explore the temple and take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Visit nearby attractions – There are many other religious and natural attractions near Yamunotri Temple, such as the Gangotri Temple and the hot springs at Janki Chatti.
Shop for souvenirs – There are many shops near the temple that sell religious items and souvenirs. Pilgrims can also buy prasad (religious offerings) from the temple.
Enjoy local food – Pilgrims can try local dishes such as gujiya and aloo ke gutke, which are popular in the region.

Overall, Yamunotri Temple provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, rejuvenation, and cultural exploration.

Where to Stay in Yamunotri

Visitors to Yamunotri have the following accommodation options:

Ashrams – There are several ashrams near the temple that provide basic accommodation and meals. These ashrams are a good option for those looking for a spiritual experience.
Guesthouses – There are many guesthouses near the temple that provides basic to mid-range accommodation. These guesthouses are a good option for those who are on a budget.
Hotels – There are a few hotels in the region that provide mid-range to luxury accommodations. These hotels are a good option for those looking for more comfort and amenities.
Camping – Visitors can also opt for camping near the temple. There are many campsites in the region that provide tents and other camping gear for rent.

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. Visitors should also be prepared for limited amenities and power cuts in remote areas.

How to reach Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple can be reached by the following modes of transportation:

By road – Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from major cities in Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar to reach Yamunotri. From there, it is a 6-km trek to the temple.
By air – The nearest airport to Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 270 km from the temple. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Yamunotri.
By train – The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is Dehradun Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Yamunotri.

Note: The temple can only be reached by foot, and the journey to the temple involves a steep 6-km trek. Visitors should be physically fit and properly equipped for the trek, especially during the winter mont

Temple Timing

The Yamunotri Temple is open for visitors during the following hours:

Summer (April to June) – The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Monsoon (July to September) – The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Winter (October to March) – The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Note: The timings are subject to change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. It is advisable to check the official website or with local authorities for the latest information on temple timings.