Situated at an altitude of 3290 meters above ocean level in Uttarkashi area of Uttarakhand, the Yamunotri Dham is the first hallowed destination of the Chardham Yatra. This Dham is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is regarded as the daughter of the Sun God, Surya Dev. The sanctum lies in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, however the real wellspring of stream Yamuna, Sapt Rishi Kund (a solidified pool of ice and glacial mass) is situated on the Kalindi Mountain at a stature of 4,421 meters above ocean level. From the Kalindi Parvat the stream flows down to the Bandar Poonch range, which is adorned by a wild bloom.
History of the Yamunotri Dham :
According to the legend, Sage Asit Muni lived here. He bathed in both the Ganges and the Yamuna daily all his life. In his old age, he was unable to go to Gangotri and so a stream of Ganges appeared opposite to Yamunotri for him as a result of his pious deeds. This ancient legend builds up a beautiful story about Yamunotri and adds to its significance.
Dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna, the Yamunotri temple was built in the year 1839 by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah. Later in the 19th century, the temple was modified by the Jaipur Maharani Gularia.
Spelling out the work of architecture second to none, the dark symbol of Goddess Yamuna and white icon of Goddess Ganga are a visual treat.
Giving due credit either to the legends, the fanciful stories or just profound worth, the Yamunotri temple witnesses an awesome surge of lovers, pilgrims and visitors consistently.
History of the Yamunotri Dham :
Surya Kund:
Situated close to the blessed sanctum of Yamunotri, Surya Kund is a characteristic high temp water spring. The temperature of this spring is around 1900 °F and the temperature is very adequate to cook meals within minutes. The water of this warm spring is utilized to make prasad of the temple.
Divya Shila:
According to the conventions, it's essential to pay tributes at Divya Shila before entering the main shrine. Divya Shila is an in number rock column arranged close to the Surya Kund. It is believed that this stone column is the symbol of the divinity and aficionados need to bow their head down here first.
Sapt Rishi Kund:
Another popular tourist attraction in Yamunotri is the Sapt Rishi Kund. This common lake with grayish blue water and pebbly bank is considered to be the source of Yamuna. A 10 km trek from Yamunotri, the trail to Sapt Rishi Kund is moderately tough with beautiful breath taking scenic beauty along the way. A view of the etraorinary Brahm Kamal from the lake is a great attraction. The Sapt Rishi lake is a must see destination for tourists, pilgrims and trekkers.
Hanuman Chatti:
Located only 13 kilometers from Yamunotri, the Hanuman Chatti is the beginning stage of both Yamunotri and Dodital Trek. It is essentially the intersection of Ganga and Yamuna River. Further, this area is more renowned as a wonderful trekking spot. Right from the magnificent slopes to the sweet-smelling glades, everything that characterizes trekking as an excellent endeavor, is found here.
Janki Chatti:
Just 7 kilometers far from Yamunotri, Janki Chatti is justified regardless of a visit. This spot is well known for its normal warm springs. Besides, encompassed by mountains from all sides, Janki Chatti is likewise known for cosseting the virgin wonder of nature.
Kharsali:
Found near to Janki Chatti, Kharsali is among the best places for touring around Yamunotri. The warm springs, stunning falls and an exquisite glade with oak and conifer trees, are the real attractions in Kharsali. Notwithstanding this, there is likewise an old sanctuary tended to Lord Shiva that gets tourism for the spot. It is a three-storied sanctuary that shows intriguing and imaginative wood and stone work.
Barkot:
Situated at an elevation of 1220 meters, Barkot is a glorious trekking destination. It is only 49 kilometers far from Yamunotri and is known for giving an impeccable sight of the Banderpoonch crest alongside different other Himalayan ranges. The spot is likewise popular for its peaceful scene, which is further supplemented by the gushing waters of the blessed Yamuna stream.
Dodital:
Dodital is a freshwater lake in Uttarakhand, India, situated at a height of 3,024 metres (9,921 ft). To reach Dodital, one may reach Uttarkashi by road and then walk to Dodital here via Bebra and other minor villages alongside the Ganges river.From Uttarkashi, a short jeep ride will take you to Sangamchatti from where the 21 km trek to Dodital begins. This is a mostly gentle trek, with overnight halt options in the villages on the way. According to one of the popular legends Lord Ganesha chose this place as his abode.
Dayara Bugyal:
In the locale dialect of Uttarkashi, Bugyal means a high height knoll. One descriptive word should be added to this definition – a "lovely" high elevation glade and this is the thing that Dayara Bugyal is. Situated at a stature of 3048 meters, the Dayara Bugyal is a brilliant 28 kilometer extended place that is known for lavish green rug. The real highlight of the spot is a little common lake, Barnala Tal.