Yamunotri temple
The Yamunotri temple is located on the backdrop of Bandarpunch mountain ranges at an altitude of 3,291 metres (10,797 ft). Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Lord Surya (Sun) and the sister of Yama (the god of death) is having an intricately carved black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna.
Two natural hot springs are at the edge of the temple. Surya Kund has boiling hot water while Gauri Kund has tepid water, which is suitable for bathing. Devotees usually dip rice and potatoes in the Surya Kund and offer it as Prasad. Devotees also pray at Divya Shilla, a reddish brown rock near Surya Kund before the main deity.
Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti, a hamlet, popular for its natural beauty and bases for trekking to the Temple. It is around 6 km from Yamunotri Dham and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides. Earlier, the starting point of the trek was Hanuman Chatti (around 13 km away), but now you can reach upto to Janki Chatti through a motorable road.
Kharsali
Kharsali or Khusimath, a peaceful tiny hamlet, is about 8 km from Yamunotri shrine. Due to heavy snowfall, it becomes the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna. The deity is brought here for worshipping.
Hanuman Chatti
Located at an altitude at 2,400 m, at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers, it is 13 km en route to Yamunotri shrine. Surrounded by dense forests in Himalayas, it is a popular stop for trekking to Dodi Tal and Darwa Top (3-4 days Trek), after visiting to Yamunotri. The Kuflon village/ Sangamchatti is about 125 KM away that can be reached in about 4 hours.
Saptarshi Kund
From Yamunotri, it is located at a distance of 10 km and at an altitude of 4,421 m. The actual source of this frozen lake of ice is fed by Champasar Glacier located on the Kalindi Mountain. Usually, pilgrims offer their prayers Yamunotri temple while the trek from the temple to the lake is very difficult trek. At some places, it is like rock climbing but the sight of the emerald blue lake surrounded by frozen glaciers, is awesome. Rare lotus Brahma Kamal is also found in the lake. This Lake is considered to be sacred one because of penance performed by 7 ancient sages named Rishi Kashyap, Atri, Gautama, Viswamitra, Bharadwaj, Vasistha & Jamadagni.
Best time to go for trek to Saptarishi Kund is April to June and September to October. Its route falls in the Govind National Park. So, before going to Saptarishi Kund, you have to take the necessary permission from the concerned authorities or talk to your agent/ travel agency to take necessary permission for you.
Brief of Char Dham Yatra - A Religious Journey:
Uttarakhand is often referred to as the “Devbhumi” i.e., ‘the land of the Gods’ because to its religious significance. The State is home to numerous temples, religious sites and circuits that devotees visit throughout the year. One of the most prominent religious tour is the Char Dham Yatra (‘Char’ means ‘Four’ and ‘Dham’ means ‘religious sites’) which covers four holy sites situated in the Himalayas viz. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. These sites open up for six months every year from April/ May to October/ November. Devotees complete this pilgrimage in clockwise direction by starting from Yamunotri to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally to Badrinath. Sometimes devotees prefer two destinations only, then do pilgrimage to two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Deities of these religious sites:
- The Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is located very close to the source of River Yamuna in Uttarkashi district. A dip in the River Yamuna is said to protect one from untimely death. The temple is located at around 3,233 m above sea level. (Part-I)
- The Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the most sacred of all Indian rivers. (Part-II)
- The Kedarnath is located in the Kedarnath, Rudraprayag district and the deity is Lord Shiva. (Part-III)
- The Badrinarayan Temple is located in Badrinath, Chamoli District and the deity is Lord Vishnu. (Part-IV)
Best Time To Visit:
April to June and September to November are the best months to visit these religious sites.
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport. Hire a cab or get a bus to reach any of the site. Part of the journey can also be completed by helicopter service.
By Train
Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are nearest railways stations and regular trains are available from major cities of the country, across the year. Rest of the journey can be performed by cab or bus and partly by helicopter.
By Road
Journey by road may be a good option that can take a time to reach your destination but you will enjoy the journey once you starts climbing in the mountain. From New Delhi, Yamunotri is 420 KM (10.15 Hrs), Gangotri – 501 KM (12 Hrs), Kedarnath – 448 KM (10.30 Hrs) and Badrinath 526 KM (13Hrs, approx.).
Journey from New Delhi to Yamunotri:
To save the time, start early from New Delhi and reach Barkot about 373 KM in 8 hours & 30 min. via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur. Either stay at night in Barkot or drive another 45Km (1 H 40 min) through the mountains, dense forests, with snow-capped peaks at the distance to reach Janki Chatti i.e., upto last point of motorable road. On next day, enjoy a steep trek of about 3 km in 3 hours to reach to the temple; alternatively, you can take ride of palanquin (Palaki) or a pony.
Part-II: Details of journey from Yamunotri to Gangotri i.e., 2nd place to be visited on Char Dham Yatra, may be read at: https://www.singhontrek.in/gangotri/
Part-III: Details of journey from Gangotri to Kedar Nath i.e., 3rd place to be visited on Char Dham Yatra, may be read at: https://www.singhontrek.in/kedarnath
Part-IV: Details of journey from Kedar Nath to Badrinath i.e., 4th place to be visited on Char Dham Yatra, may be read at: https://www.singhontrek.in/badrinath
