Yamunotri

Yamunotri the seat of Goddess Yamuna is one of the most revered pilgrimage places for all the Hindus. Situated at an elevation of 3,293 meters above the sea level, in the high mountain ranges of the Gharhwal region in the Himalayas of the Uttarakhand, Yamunotri remains accessible only for a part of the year.

The main attraction for the pilgrims is the temple of Yamuna built by Maharana Pratap Shah at the foothills, on the banks of the River Yamuna. Many also believe that it was built by Maharaja Guleria of Jaipur, but no one is sure.

The deity inside the temple is made from black marble and worshiped by thousands of pilgrims who revere the Yamuna River just like they revere the Ganges.

Close to the temple there are two hot water springs, where most pilgrims prepare rice and potato as Prasad, which after the worship ceremony is taken back home.

Every year on Diwali a small ceremony and pooja is held, after which the Yamunotri temple at the foothills is closed for the winters. The poojari’s and all others looking after the temples retreat to the nearby villages. It is only in the last week of May or first week of April, on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, when the temple is once again opened for the public.

The actual glacier that pilgrims wish to pay homage is located 1 km from the Yamunotri temple, at an elevation of more than 4000 meters above sea level, but since it practically remains frozen throughout the year, not many are able to trek up the rocky and difficult mountain terrain. For reaching Yamunotri the nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, from where you can hire private taxis or buses that regularly ply to the place. Also, many shared taxis operate to Yamunotri from Rishikesh. But, be cautious the roads are rough and so it’s advisable to settle for SUVs only.