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Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi District of the Garhwal Division in the North Indian State of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri, situated in the western part of the Garhwal Himalayas atop Bandar Poonch Parvat at an average elevation of 3293 m above sea level, is a famous pilgrimage destination in the north.
Yamunotri is a part of Chotta Char Dham and Do Dham pilgrimages. Yamunotri is the source of River Yamuna and is regarded as the seat of Goddess Yamuna. Geologically, River Yamuna originates from the Champasar Glacier, which is located below Banderpoonch Mountain at an altitude of 4421 meters above sea level. Champasar Glacier is about 1 km further up from the shrine of Yamunotri and is not easily accessible.
River Yamuna holds the status of Mother Goddess as per ancient texts since it had played a vital role in the growth and development of Hindu civilisation. The region of Yamunotri is also believed to be the residence of Asit Muni, a revered sage belonging to the past.
According to legend, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Lord Surya (Sun God) and Devi Sanjna (Goddess of Conscience) and is the sister of Lord Yama, the God of Death. She was born at the Champasar Glacier nearby Kalind Parvat. Pilgrims believe that a holy ablution conducted in River Yamuna can impart a painless death.
The shrine of Yamunotri, situated on the left bank of River Yamuna, was first built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the early 19th century. The temple was damaged in the earth quakes of 1923 and 1982. But it was subsequently rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, who was the ruler of this region in the late 19th century (1871-1887). Today, the administration of the temple of Yamunotri is carried out by the priests of the temple, who reside in the village of Kharsali situated nearby Janki Chatti.
Yamunotri offers pilgrimage attractions like Yamunotri temple, Janki Chatti, Kharsali, Saptarishi Kund, Badkot and Hanuman Chatti. Yamunotri also has famous trekking routes, such as Hanuman Chatti - Yamunotri route, Dodi Tal route extending from Kalyani of Uttarkashi to Hanuman Chatti, Hanuman Chatti - Phul Chatti route and Janki Chatti - Kharsali route.
Yamunotri is located about 30 km north of Uttarkashi town, the administrative headquarters of Uttarkashi District. It can easily be reached as it is well connected by road to all the major destinations in the north. The nearest airport to Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun and the nearest rail head is at Rishikesh.
The best times to visit Yamunotri are the months of May to June and September to October.
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Sightseeing attractions in Yamunotri includes places of religious importance like Yamunotri temple, Surya Kund and Divya Shila. Yamunotri temple is an ancient temple belonging to the 19th century dedicated to Yamuna, the holy river of Hindus. This temple was destroyed twice after which it was rebuilt again. There are two silver idols present in the temple, one of Yamuna herself along with her mythological brother Yama. This temple remains closed during the winters as the idols are taken to the nearby village of Kharsali.
Located near to the Yamunotri temple is the Surya Kund, which is a hot water spring. The temperature of water in the spring is hot enough to cook the prasada within minutes with a single dip. The prasada consists of rice mixed with salt along with potatoes is tied up with muslin cloth to be dipped into this spring for the content to be boiled. Divya Shila located near to the Yamunotri temple is a holy place that is visited by devotees before entering the temple itself.
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