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Yamunotri, one of the holiest places sitting on the Himalayas, is known as the “Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas”. Yamunotri is the derivation of the sanctified river Yamuna. Well-known for its hot springs and glaciers, it’s one of the most imperative halts on the journey of the Hindu pilgrim. According to a belief, Asit Muni, a valued sage, used to inhabit here.
Devoted to Goddess Yamuna, it is suspended on top of the Bandar Poonch Peak, 3165 meters above sea level, and is positioned opposite to Gangotri. Yamunotri is the basis of the sacred river Yamuna which derives from the Champasar Glacier. The temple of Yamunotri sits on the left bank and was originally built by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Close to the temple are three hot springs. The most sacred, Surya Kund, is a tank packed of boiling water into which rice and potatoes are immersed to be cooked and taken as “Prasad” (God’s food given out as a blessing).
Yamunotri is a gateway for people who are looking for peace and relaxation of the mind. Anyone that visits this place will be left with a touch of a Holy inspiration in them.
History of Yamunotri
It is believed that Yamuna is the daughter of Sun God and brother of Yama (the God of death). The peak Bandarpunch derives its name from a mythological incident of Ramayana. Lord Hanuman, after burning Lanka with his tail, came to this peak and estinguished the fire in his tail from the waters of the sacred Yamnuna.
According to another ancient belief, sage Asit Muni had his home here. Throughout his life, he bathed daily both in Ganga and Yamuna. As it was difficult for him to go to Gangotri during his old age, a flow of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri.
Special attractions in Yamunotri
- Temple of Goddess Yamuna: This is the temple which had been destroyed twice in the past and has been rebuilt again. The temple is only open during May to November.
- Surya Kund: There are several hot springs in the district of the temple which run into many pools and Surya Kund is one of the most sacred ones.
- Divya Shila: A rock pillar which is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Best Time to Visit
May to November as the temple is closed during the other months.
Location
State: Uttar Pradesh
Distance from Rishikesh: 18 KM
How to reach Yamunotri
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun.
Nearest Railway: Rishikesh, 213 km. & Dehradun, 172 km.
Road: Dharasu, 107 km. Tehri, 149 km. Rishikesh, 213 km. & Dehradun, 172 km.
Important road distances
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km.via Narendranagar 16 km., Chama 46 km., Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Syanachatti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6 km., Phoolchatti 5 km., Jankichatti 3 km., and Yamunotri 6 km.
Tourism Department
Yatra Office,
GMVN Ltd.,
AGM (Tourism),
Modern Reception Centre
Advance Reservation Centre
Shail Vihar,
Haridwar By-Pass Road,
Rishikesh,
Pin: 249201.
Tel: 91-135-2431793, 2432648, 2430799, 2430357(R).
Fax: 0135-2430372.
Email:
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Climatic Conditions
Summer- Cool throughout the day and cold at night: Max-20 deg. C and Min-06 deg. C .
Winter- Snowfall: Max- Sub-Zero and Min- Snowbound
Clothing
Summer- Light woolen
Winter - Very heavy woolen due to snowfall
Tourist Attractions Near Yamunotri
Sayanachatti (29 km), Hanuman Chatti (13 km), Ayana Chatti (19 km)
This article was contributed by Nikhil Chaudhary
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