In this article, we will talk about the basic Information About Yamunotri Temple. Yamunotri, the origin of the River Yamuna and seat of the goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in the Uttarakhand Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
Uttarakhand Char Dham pilgrimage circuit” is also named “Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage Circuit. Yamunotri is famous not only because of the temple but also because of its natural scenic beauty.
Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri
Information about Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri is one of the famous religious temples of the Hindus located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Yamunotri is located at a height of 3,323 meters above sea level and is located in Uttarakashi District.
It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies in close proximity to the Indo-China border. It is known for offering peace and tranquillity to its visitors.
Origin of Yamunotri River
The Yamuna is one of the seven holy Ganas and the five Great Rivers of India. River Yamuna other name is Kalindi.
One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna.
River Yamuna is famous for its thermal springs and glaciers. It is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim.
Legends & Information about Yamunotri Temple
According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here. He used to visit the Yamuna regularly till the origin of the Yamuna. When he became incapacitated in old age, it became impossible for him to reach the source of Yamuna.
Impressed by the faith of Asit Rishi towards himself, Yamuna changed its flow and started flowing near his ashram.
Pleased with the grace of Yamuna, the sage built his temple there and started worshiping Goddess Yamuna. That holy place was called Yamunotri and became the main pilgrimage of Goddess Yamuna.
History of Char Dham Temples
Priests of Yamunotri Temple
The priests of Yamunotri are householders Brahmin of the Uniyal caste.
According to historian Shiv Prasad Naithani, In 1855, Sudarshan Shah built a small temple at Yamunotri. Since then the ancestors of these priests, Maluram Poluram, were entrusted with the task of worshipping this temple. Earlier the idol lived in the cave.
Winter Residence of Goddess Yamuna
Kharsali village situated at a distance of just 2 km from Janki Chatti in Yamunotri Road is a must-visit place. Most the travelers are deprived of seeing this wonderful place due to a lack of information.
Kharsali, the last village of Yamunotri valley, is also called the “mother’s house of Goddess Yamuna”.
When the doors of the temple are closed on the day of “Bhai Dooj” in Yamunotri, the winter idol of Goddess Yamuna is installed in the ancient temple “Someshwar” of Kharsali village.
Here the Goddess Yamuna is worshiped throughout the winter.
Must Read Amazing Facts:
Who Built Yamunotri Temple?
It is known from the historical observation that the first temple of Yamunotri was built by Maharaja Sudarsan Shah (1815-1859) in 1850, which was made of wood at that time.
The idol of Goddess Yamuna was installed in this temple by him. Earlier this pilgrimage place had only a few idols placed on the altar.
In later years, the new construction of the temple was done by Maharaja Pratapshah (1871-1896) and was built with stones.
This temple was demolished twice in the 19th century and again the present construction of this temple was done by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur.
Daughter of Sun
According to mythological literature, Kashyap and Aditi’s son Surya, who was married to Sangya, daughter of Vishwakarma.
From the Sangya, he got 3 children, Manu, Yam (Yamraj), Yami (Yamuna).
Story of Bhai Dooj
According to Skanda Purana, Yami (Yamuna) pleased brother Yama (Yamraj) by fasting on “Kartik Shukla Dwitiya” which is also called “Yama Dwitiya”.
Later that day was celebrated as the festival of “Bhai Dooj”.
Yamunotri Opening And Closing Date
Yamunotri Opening Day –The Temple opens on the religious day of ‘Akshaya-Tritiya, which falls, generally, during the last week of April or the first week of May.
Yamunotri Closing Day – The closing day is always on the sacred day of Bhai Dooj after a brief ceremony.