Ma Yamuna who in the form of river nourishes the land of India is worshiped in Yamunotri dham, the place of its origination.
Yamunotri Dham is also the first and foremost part of the Char dham circuit of Uttrakhand located in Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand.
The Yamuna that originates from Saptarishi kund is fed by Champasar glacier in Yamunotri near Banderpunch mountain. Yamunotri dham is situated at an elevation of 3290 m on the foothills of Kalind mountains at the stretch of 150 km from Uttarkashi which is why ma Yamuna is also known as Kalindi.
Believed to be the daughter of Bhagwan Surya, the kund near Yamunotri temple is known as Surya kund where the Pooja of Divine stone (Divya Shila ) is marked as an essential ritual before worship at Yamunotri temple.
Generally Rice, potatoes are cooked in muslin cloth in hot waters of Surya Kund and offered as Prasad to Yamuna ji. Yamunotri dham open on the day of Akshya Tritya and remains open till Yama Dwitya that is on the second day of Diwali.
Trek to Yamunotri Dham.
Yamunotri Dham is at the stretch of 7 km from Janki Chatti that takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. Janki Chatti is last motor able spot from where trek to temple starts. The trek is slight steep and narrow and can be done on foot, also the services of Ponies, Palkis are available.
Generally the cost of Ponies is INR 1200 for one way and of Palki it costs around 4000 INR -6000 INR for one way.
Although Yamunotri trek is ardent but the beauty of lush green valleys and eye soothing views of mountains, breathing in fresh air , one gets connected with nature. The beauty of sparkling waters of River Yamuna soothes your mind and soul. There are various points amid trek where you can have food, tea, juices and enjoy the beautiful serene of pattern of clouds covering the snow peaks of Kalind Mountains.
How to reach Janki Chatti?
Janki Chatti from where the trek to Yamunotri Dham begins is at the distance of aroun 210 km from Rishikesh. One can also start the journey from Dehradun. Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun from where you can take cab/bus to Janki Chatti. One can also reach by train to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. To start the journey .
Make sure to register yourself before going to Yamunotri Dham at booking counter of Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun or through online.