Yamunotri

Yamunotri, nestled in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham Yatra, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is the origin of the holy Yamuna River, revered in Hinduism as the daughter of the Sun God, Surya, and sister of Yama,

Yamunotri holds immense religious importance. Devotees believe that bathing in the Yamuna’s waters cleanses sins and protects from untimely death. The river is worshipped as Yami, the goddess of life, and is closely associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood in Mathura and Vrindavan.

The Yamunotri Temple, built in the 19th century by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur, stands near the river's source. The temple houses a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. The actual source, Champasar Glacier (Saptarishi Kund), lies at an altitude of 4,421 meters, but due to its treacherous terrain, the temple marks the spiritual starting point.

Hot Water Springs & Rituals A unique feature of Yamunotri is the Surya Kund, a hot spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes as "Prasad" to offer to the goddess. Another spring, Divya Shila, is a rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple.

The journey to Yamunotri involves a 6 km trek from Hanuman Chatti (or a pony/palki ride) through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, lush forests, and waterfalls. The best time to visit is May to October, as heavy snowfall closes the route in winter. 

 Yamunotri is not just a pilgrimage site but a serene escape into nature’s lap. It symbolizes purity, devotion, and the eternal bond between humanity and divinity. A visit here is a spiritual and adventurous experience, marking the beginning of the sacred Char Dham journey.