Yamunotri ji Being an important part of the Chardham circuit, Yamunotri is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. It is situated in the beautiful region of Garhwal Himalayas. River Yamuna is the main source of Yamunotri. The holy shrine is located at the left side of River Yamuna. The temple was reconstructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, in Uttrakashi district. Yamunotri Dham is perched at an altitude of 3,293 meters above the sea level. The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamunotri.
The statue of Goddess is made of black marble which is installed inside the temple. Legends said that Yamunotri had been the residential place of sage Asit Muni. The sage had spend his entire life at this site and used to take bathe daily in both the rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. When the sage became old he was unable to go to the river so a stream of Ganga came into existence in the opposite direction of Yamunotri for Asit Muni. The sacred shrine opens each year on the auspicious occasion of akshys-tritya which happens in the last week of April or in the first week of May. The temple remains closed during the Diwali which falls in mid-October or in the first week of November.
Yamuna shrine at Yamunotri is the major place of worship for Hindus. There are few small hot water springs closer to the temple. Some times the water of the springs jumps out of it when the water goes to its boiling point. Surya Kund at Yamunotri also has immense importance and significance among the devotees in India. Pilgrims boil potatoes in the hot springs and take those to their home as Prashad. Closer to the Surya Kund there is a Shila known by the name of Divya- Shila. The Divya-Shila prayed before the pilgrims go to offer pooja to Yamunaji.
The indo-Chinese border is closer to the Yamunotri temple. it is the excessive destination for pilgrims. Followers from all corners of the country visit the site to pay devotion. At a distance of 6 kilo meters there is a hamlet which is famous as Hanuman Chatti. The Hanuman Chatti is located in the valley of mighty Garhwal Himalaya. The area of Yamunotri is blessed by the natural beauties which attracts tourists and devotees throughout the year across India.
Yamunotri is viewed amidst in the Garhwal Himalayan. The place is offered with the natural bounties and charm around it. The lofty mountains of mighty Himalaya circle it on all sides. It's a highly sacred pilgrimage for Hindus as it is the main source of the majestic River Yamuna. As per the Hindu tradition depicts that Yamuna is the sister of Yama. Yama is the God of death. It is also believed that a holy dip in the river offers a painless death to the devotees. So taking a dip is a must for the followers who visit here. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station from Yamunotri. If you want to reach the temple site by air, Jolly Grant is the closest from here. The Yamunotri temple is situated at 149 km from Tehri and 107 km from Dharasu.