The shrine of Yamunotri is situated in the opposite direction of
Gangotri. Yamunotri is the source of river yamuna which originates from
the Champasar Glacier. This spot is not generally visited by pilgrims as
it is not easy to approach the place. The shrine is placed at an
elevation of 3235 meters. Dharasu is the strategic point from where the
road bifurcates to Yamunotri and Gangotri, this place is between
Rishikesh- Uttarkashi. The holy shrine of Yamunotri is one of the four
Dhams of Uttarakhand. At an altitude of 4421 meters is situated the
source of Yamuna, this is 1 km ahead of the shrine. Reaching the source
is very difficult hence the pilgrims offer their prayers in the shrine
itself. The pilgrims take a refreshing bath in the hot water springs
situated nearby the temple.This bath in the water spring is very relieving after a long and tedious trek. The most popular hot water spring is the Surya Kund. This hot water spring is used to prepare the prashad of the temple by tying rice and potato in cloth and dipping it in the hot water spring. In Surya Kund the temperature of the water is 190°F. The legends say that the temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Yamuna and is represented in the form of a silver idol. It is believed that a highly worshipped hermit, Asit Muni resided here. Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Lord Surya and Sangya, the Goddess of consciousness. Goddess Yamuna is the sister of Lord Yama, the God of death. It is hence believed that anyone taking a bath in the river Yamuna escapes a painful death. Before entering the temple the pilgrims worship a rock pillar called Divya Shilla. The main season to visit yamunotri is during summers.
The other places to visit apart from the shrine are:
- Surya Kund : This is a hot water spring. A very
interesting fact about this spring is that the main prashad of the
temple is prepared in the Surya Kund. It is very refreshing for the
pilgrims to take a bath in Surya Kund.
- Divya Shilla : Divya Shilla is a rock pillar situated
before the temple. The devotees offer their prayers here before
visiting the main shrine of Goddess Yamuna.
- Sayanachatti : This is a beautiful scenic spot situated
on the banks of river Yamuna. This place is 29 km from Barkot.
- Jankichatti : This place is known for it's thermal
springs. The pilgrims take a refreshing bath here after their long
treks.
- Hanumanchatti : This spot is the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and river Yamuna. The trek to Dodi Tal starts from here.
- One should carry light woolens during summer.
- One should carry heavy woolens in winters.
- The colloquial language is Hindi, Garhwali, English.
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is 18 kms from Rishikesh.
- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
- Dharamshalas are the main source of accommodation.
- The local dhabas are the main eating out joints.
- Alcohol and non vegetarian food is prohibited in Yamunotri.