Yamunotri Dham is a significant pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit destinations in Uttarakhand and holds immense religious importance in Hinduism.
Yamunotri, the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is dominated by Banderpunch (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier, 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 m.
Yamunotri Temple: Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th Century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. It is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God, Surya. The temple is an architectural marvel made of white granite and wood and is open to pilgrims from May to October. The deity is later moved to Kharsali village during the winter.
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.
Weather - In summer, the maximum temperature is 18 degrees and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold.
Yamunotri Trek: Pilgrims and tourists must undertake a trek to reach the Yamunotri Temple from the town of Hanuman Chatti. The trek is approximately 5.5 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape and the Yamuna River.
Surya Kund and Divya Shila: The Surya Kund is a natural thermal spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes to offer as prasad (holy food) at the temple. Adjacent to it is the Divya Shila, a rock pillar, to which pilgrims offer their prayers before entering the temple.
