Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, located in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India. It is the origin of the Yamuna River, one of the holiest rivers in India, and is the first stop in the sacred Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath).

ॐ यमुने नमः।
Om Yamune Namah – Salutations to Goddess Yamuna
यामुनास्तोत्रम् (Yamuna Stotram)
कालिन्देयं महाभागे पापं शुद्धिं करोति मे।
यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण पापं नश्यति तत्क्षणात्॥
“O Kalindi (Yamuna), O highly auspicious one, cleanse my sins.
Just by remembering you, all sins vanish instantly.”

― Yamunotri Temple

The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) near the Bandarpunch Glacier, the source of the Yamuna.

Mythological Significance & History

The original temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century.
It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and snowstorms.
The actual source of the Yamuna River, known as Yamunotri Glacier or Saptarishi Kund, is located about 6 km uphill from the temple and is difficult to access. Hence, the temple was built at a more accessible location.
It is believed that Sage Asit Muni used to reside here and bathe daily in both Yamuna and Ganga rivers.

Significance of the Temple

Goddess Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God (Surya) and the sister of Yama, the God of Death. Bathing in the Yamuna is believed to free a devotee from the fear of death.
It is one of the Char Dham temples, a must-visit for any serious spiritual pilgrim.
Yamuna River is personified as a divine mother, and devotees believe her waters can wash away sins and purify the soul.
First darshan in the Char Dham pilgrimage traditionally begins at Yamunotri.