General Information
Do you ever wonder about the sources of the holy rivers in India? One of the holy rivers of India, Yamuna, comes from Yamunotri. Thousands of pilgrims visit Yamunotri to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. It is located in Uttarakhand and is at an altitude of 10,804 ft.
As an avid traveler and a devotee, you would know that this is one of the Chota Char Dhams. The destination has religious importance, but there is another reason for visiting Yamunotri. The thermal springs of Janki Chatti are magical. As per the locals, bathing in the thermal springs can cure any disease, and the body and soul become pure.
The original source of the Yamuna river is inaccessible because it is a frozen lake. It is located in the mighty Kalind Mountain, but travelers cannot access this region.
Thus, pilgrims visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Yamuna.
History and Importance
The Yamuna temple was built by the king of Tehri in the year 1839. He was from Tehri Garhwal. As soon as you enter the temple, you will be amazed by the figure of the deity, which is made of black marble. She sits beautifully to bless all her children (devotees).
The Hindus consider the holy river Ganga and Yamuna as a mother. These rivers have a significant role to play in the overall development of Indian civilization. The locals have several tales to tell, but we will tell you the most famous one.
The Yamuna was known for being carefree and blithe. She developed this trait because as per the locals, her mother could never make eye contact with her father. They say he was too dazzling! The Yamuna is said to be the goddess of persistence/perseverance. The locals believe that taking a dip in this river could wash away all the sins that one has committed in the past.
In India, the belief system is strong, and Hindus believe in the power of River Ganga and Yamuna. This is why Yamuna River holds great importance and the source of the river is considered to be a holy place where they can seek blessings and wash away the sins.
Places to See in Yamunotri
When in Yumontri, visit the temple which is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surya Kund is the famous hot water spring where the temperature of the water is boiling hot. The devotees wrap rice and potatoes in a muslin cloth and put it inside the hot water spring. It boils inside the cloth, and the devotees take it back to their home as prasad.
You must visit Jankichatti, Hanumanchatti, and Divya Shila as these offer stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
Activities
Bathe in the spring water as this could cure many diseases. The locals believe that the spring water has miraculous powers. The devotees go for a dip in the hot water pool to wash away sins, and it is believed that most of the diseases can be cured after stepping inside the hot water.
Most importantly, it will be a relaxing experience. Bathing in a hot water pool could ease your mind, and it will be a stress-buster. You can visit Jankichatti to take a dip in the hot water spring. The areas are separate for men and women.
The Surya Kund is dedicated to the father of Goddess Yamuna. This is where the devotees offer rice, potato, and salt (wrapped in a muslin cloth) to the deity. They take the boiled rice/potato back home as prasad.
If you are visiting Yamunotri, consider going to Saptarishi Kund. The trek covers 10 km of distance from Yamunotri, and you would need a guide for the trip. This is the best way to catch a glimpse of the exotic birds. Travelers can indulge in camping, nature photography, and trekking in this area.
