Yamunotri

Yamunotri is located at a height of 3235 Meters above sea level in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is one of the Chardhams, four most important pilgrimages in India. The shrine at Yamunotri is dedicated Goddess Yamuna. However, the actual source of Yamunotri is a lake, 12 Kilometers from here with the name of Saptrishi Kund. Due to difficulty in accessibility, people worship the goddess at Yamunotri only. The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The temple is situated on the western side dominated by Mt.Banderpunch. According to interesting legend Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (Sun God) and Sangya (Goddess of consciousness). Yamuna is also the sister of Yama, the God of death, and so anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared an agonizindeath. The hot water pool here is used to prepare the prasad or holy offerings to the deity, which is normally rice and potatoes, cooked by dipping into the hot water thermal springs, tied in cloth bags. Another legend says that the lonesome place of Yamunotri was once the home to Asit Muni.

What To See : Visit the temple and the Suryakund springs. The Divya Shila stone is worshipped before entering the temple after pilgrims rest. A twelve kilometre difficult trek route leads to Saptrishi kund. A natural glacial kund, the trek upto Saptrishi kund eases out around the base of Kalinda parvat. Dark blue waters, slate stones on the banks, and a rare variety of lotus called the Brahma Lotus adorning the water; Saptrishi Kund is a sight to behold. Trip to Saptrishi Kund requires a guide to take you.Hanuman Chatti is located at the confluence of River Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna.It is popular with tourists.Sayanachatti along the banks of the river is a scenic spot.Janki chatti is famous for its hot water springs. Pay a visit to the nearby Chamba too.It is an ideal picnic spot. The best season to visit is from May to October.

Things to do : Trekking is a popular sport here. Yamunotri reached from Rishikesh is popular trekking route that passes through Dodi Tal. The trek from Dodital to Hanumanchatti via Darwa Top takes two days, moves on to the upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas in Yamunotri, the place where the sacred river Yamuna originates from .The lake Dodi Tal is a mesmerizing sight. It is also a place to indulge in relaxation before taking on the gruelling trek.