Yamunotri
The
revered shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is
situated in the shadow of the 6,315 m High Bandarpunchh
mountain. It constitutes one of the four most important
pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham'
of the Garhwal Himalayas. Legend has it that a sage, Asit
Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times
The shrine of Yamunotri, is a point of paramount religious
importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. Situated
in the direction opposite to Gangotri, the road bifurcates
from a place called Dharasu, somewhere between Rishikesh -
Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine can also be
visited via Mussoorie and Barkot..
Places
To See:
Yamunotri
Temple:
The present temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur
in the 19th century. In 1923, the temple was destroyed by
an earthquake, but subsequently rebuilt. Here a holy dip in
the tank filled by hot springs, and cooking rice in its water
are part of the rituals.
Surya
Kund:
There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of Yamunotri.
The most important of these, Surya Kund, has a temperature
of almost 1900 F. Pilgrims tie rice and potatoes in a cotton
cloth, and immerse it in the water to be cooked.
Divya
Shila:
A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri temple.
Nearby
Places:
Hanuman
Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is at a distance of 13 km from Yamunotri. It
is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna
rivers and the trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. Accommodation
is available here as well.
Jankichatti
Janki Chatti is at a distance of 7 km from Yamunotri. It is
well known for its thermal springs. It provides accommodation
facilities for tourists.
Barkot
Barkot is a small hamlet, 49 km from Yamunotri. It has an
ancient temple and can provide good facilities to the traveler.
Saptarishi
Kund
Saptarishi Kund is at a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri and
is the actual source of the river. This lake is generally
covered with ice. The place is known for the rare Brahma lotus,
which grows here. It is a beautiful picnic spot as well.
Travel
Information:
Air
: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
Rail : Nearest
railhead is at Rishikesh.
Road :The road
to Yamunotri diverts from Rishikesh - Gangotri road at Dharasu.
Important road Distances :
Hanumanchatti 13 km. Dharasu 107 km; Tehri 149 km.
Hanumanchatti, the roadhead for Yamunotri is connected by
bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavstha Samiti to
Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.

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