Yamunotri – The Sacred Source of the Yamuna River
Yamunotri, also known as Yamnotri or Jamnotri, is the sacred source of the Yamuna River and the spiritual seat of Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri stands at an altitude of 3,293 metres (10,804 ft) and lies about 150 km north of Uttarkashi. It is one of the four holy destinations of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
The Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is the main spiritual attraction here. The shrine is beautifully positioned on the slopes of the Bandarpunch mountain, making it the westernmost Char Dham shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Along with the temple, pilgrims also visit the sacred hot water springs at Janki Chatti, located about 7 km from Yamunotri.
True Source of the Yamuna River
While pilgrims worship at Yamunotri Temple, the actual source of the Yamuna River lies higher up in the Champasar Glacier, located on Kalind Mountain at an altitude of 4,421 metres. This frozen lake of ice and glacier is about 1 km beyond the temple but is not accessible due to the extremely difficult terrain. Because of this, devotees perform their rituals and prayers at the Yamunotri Temple, which has been established at the foot of the hill for practical and spiritual purposes.
Historical Significance of Yamnotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple holds immense historical and spiritual importance. It was originally built in 1839 by Sundarshan Shah, the king of Tehri. Before the temple was constructed, a small shrine existed at the same sacred location. The temple was later associated with Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, and it is also believed that Maharani Guleria of Jaipur contributed to the temple’s reconstruction in the 19th century.
The temple stands on the left bank of the Yamuna River and houses a beautiful black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna, who is worshipped as a divine mother, similar to the Ganges.
Sacred Hot Springs: Surya Kund and Divya Shila
One of the most unique features of the Yamunotri Temple is the presence of natural hot water springs nearby. The most important among them is Surya Kund. Devotees tie rice and potatoes in muslin cloth and dip them into this boiling spring. The food cooks instantly and is offered to the Goddess before being taken back home as prasada.
Near Surya Kund is a sacred rock known as Divya Shila, which pilgrims worship before entering the Yamnotri Temple. This ritual is an essential part of the Yamnotri pilgrimage.
Legends Associated with Yamnotri
According to Hindu mythology, the sage Asita had his hermitage at Yamnotri. He used to bathe daily in both the Ganges and the Yamuna. In his old age, when he could no longer travel to Gangotri, a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri so he could continue his sacred rituals.
The birthplace of the Yamuna, known as Sangya, is located in the Champasar Glacier below Bandarpunch Mountain. The nearby Kalinda Parvata is named after Surya, the Sun God, who is considered the father of Goddess Yamuna.
Geographical Location of Yamunotri
Yamunotri is located at 31.01°N latitude and 78.45°E longitude and has an average elevation of 3,954 metres (12,972 ft). Its high-altitude Himalayan location makes it one of the most spiritually and geographically significant sites in Uttarakhand.
The Yamuna River’s Journey
The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height of 6,387 metres, near the Bandarpunch peaks in the Lower Himalayas. From Yamnotri, the river flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, before merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
Yamunotri Temple Opening Date 2026
The Yamunotri Temple is tentatively scheduled to open for the 2026 season on April 19, 2026
The Yamunotri Temple Opening Date 2026 marks the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra season when pilgrims are allowed to visit the shrine after winter closure. On this day, the sacred doors of the temple are ceremonially opened, welcoming devotees to offer prayers at the holy source of the Yamuna.
Yamunotri to Gangotri Distance
Yamunotri to Gangotri Distance connects the two most sacred river origins in Hinduism — Yamuna and Ganga. Yamnotri is the westernmost shrine, while Gangotri lies further east in the Garhwal Himalayas, making their journey spiritually significant for Char Dham pilgrims.
Yamunotri From Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar
Yamunotri from Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar is an important pilgrimage route for devotees. These three cities serve as the main gateways for pilgrims travelling toward Yamnotri and the Char Dham circuit in Uttarakhand.
