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YAMUNORTI
Location : In the Garhwal Himalayas in the
state of Uttaranchal, north of India.
Tourist Attractions : Lakhamandal, Surya Kund,
Divya Shila, Jankichatti, Hanumanchatti, Sayanachatti.
Best Activity : Trekking
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chamba (158 Kms),
Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar.
When To Visit : The temple remains closed during
the winter months of Nov. to April. The shrine attracts
devotees in large numbers from May to October.
About
Yamunotri
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the
westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas,
which is Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The shrine is
perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235 mts.
above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. It
constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages,
collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas
or Uttarakhand. |
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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. Yamunotri can also be
visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.
Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology.
The legend says, this lonesome hilly spot was the home of
an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the prime attractions of
Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby, which is believed
to have medicinal properties. Devotees prepare rice and
potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these
hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. The trek to
Yamunotri is spectacular, surrounded by a panorama of
rugged peaks and thick forests.
Major Tourist Attractions in
Yamunotri
Temple of Goddess Yamuna
The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the
19th century. It was destroyed twice in the present
century and rebuilt again. The temple remains closed from
November to May.
Lakhamandal
Pass Kempty falls 75 kms. On the Mussoorie - Yammnotri
road lies Lakhamandal. Legend has is that the Kaurvas made
a shelter house and conspired to bum the Pandavas alive
here.
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 deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri
Temple.
Jankichatti
The theral springs here offer a spectacular sight and a
refreshing bath for the pilgrims.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna river forms the
starting point for the scenic Dodi Tal trek. (Rishikesh -
Barkot - Hanumanchatti - Yamunotri - hanumanchatti -
Darvatop - Dodital - Agora - Uttarkashi - Rishikesh).
Porters. Ponies and Palanquines are available for the
journey to Yamunotri. Their rates are fixed by District
Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the bank of river yamuna that makes a
lovely sight enrouted the trek up to Yamunotri.
Getting There
Air : Jolly Grant, 196 Kms. From Yamunotri via Dehradun
Rail : Rishikesh, 219 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 Kms. Tehri, 107 Kms. Rishikesh, 213
Kms. & Dehradun, 172 Kms. Journey by road takes one to
Hanumanchatti. From here, the remaining 14 kms. trek is
covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins, Horses and
porters are also available on hire.
Accommodation
Only Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri.
Alternative accommodation are also available. There is a
Tourist Rest House (GMVN) at Janki Chatti. All the
accommodations are ideally planned to offer comfortable
stay to the tourists of all type. |
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