Yamunotri

India has several great rivers, with several significant sources, but Yamuna and Ganga are rivers that are embedded deeply within Indian religion and tradition. Not only are they mentioned in the Indian national anthem, but even some juice stalls call a combination of orange and sweet lime juice, Ganga-Yamuna! The source of these two great rivers is surely worth a visit, to uncover some of the most beautiful and accessible walking in the Himalayas; for the romance of being there, and for being the first to touch the waters, before they go down to millions in the plains below.

Yamunotri is the first stopover for the Char Dham yatra and the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Worshipped as the source of the holy Yamuna River, it lies high up in a deep cleft on the western face of the Banderpunch peak , 3293 m above sea level. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, Yamunotri is very close to the Indo-Chinese border. Technically the source of the river is on the Champasar glacier at Saptarishi Kund (12 km further up at a height of 4421 m), but it is at Yamunotri that pilgrims come to worship the Goddess Yamuna and bathe in its chilled waters 223 km from Rishikesh, this mountain shrine is one of the most difficult to access.

The temple at Yamunotri was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. It was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1923, and subsequently rebuilt, and the process had to be repeated when it was once again damaged in 1982. Located at a height of 3030 m, about 6 km below the glacier, the temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands. According to legend, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya, the Sun God, and Sangya, the Goddess of Consciousness. Yamuna is also the sister of Yama, the God of Death, and therefore anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared a painful death.

The hot water pool or Surya Kund adjacent to the temple is used to prepare the prasad or holy offerings to the Goddess, normally rice and potatoes, cooked by dipping into the hot water tied in cloth bags. The temperature here is as high as 87.7 degrees celsius. Pilgrims make their offerings at the temple itself, since the approach to the source of Yamunotri is extremely difficult. Divya Shila is a blessed or heavenly rock pillar that is worshipped by the pilgrims before they enter the Yamunotri temple.

Excursion
Yamunotri Temple
The main temple is dedicated to Goddess 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. A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its water are common rituals performedby the devotees.

Surya Kund
One of the important thermal springs known for its very high temperature of 190 F. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer to the deity in the temple.

Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

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

Jankichatti
Noted for its thermal springs, where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.

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

The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.

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. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible.

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Getting There
By Air
Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 196 km from Yamunotri.

By Rail
Nearest railheads are at Rishikesh 213 km, Dehradun 172 km.

By Road
The nearest road head is at Hanuman Chatti, 14 km short of the shrine. Regular buses ply from Rishikesh (210 km from Hanuman Chatti), taking about 9 hours to reach. Hanuman Chatti is also connected by bus to Dehradun and Mussoorie. From here, the path to Yamunotri can be covered either on foot or on hired ponies.

Bus
Hanumanchatti, the road head for Yamunotri is connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavastha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.

Important road distances
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km via Narendranagar 16 km, Chamba 46 km, Brahmkhal 15 km, Bar ot m, Sayanac atti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6 km, Phoolchatti 5 km, Jankichatti 3 km and Yamunotri 6 km.

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Weather
Summer - Cool during the day and cold at night.

Winter - Snow bound. Touching sub-zero.

Clothing
April to July - Light woollens.
Sept. to Nov. - Heavy woollens.

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