About Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Temple stands at about 3,293 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, near the source of the sacred Yamuna river. It is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is traditionally the first stop of the Chota Char Dham yatra, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The temple is reached by a trek from Janki Chatti and is open for about six months each year. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the Yamuna's waters protects them from an untimely death.
In Hindu belief, Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun God Surya and the sister of Yama, the god of death. Legend says the sage Asit Muni lived here and bathed daily in both the Ganga and the Yamuna. The present temple was built in the 19th century by a ruler of the Tehri Garhwal kingdom and has been rebuilt after damage from weather and earthquakes. In winter the goddess is taken to Kharsali village, where she is worshipped until the temple reopens.
The temple is a modest structure with a cone-shaped tower, and holds a black marble image of Goddess Yamuna. Next to it are hot springs, the most famous being Surya Kund, where pilgrims tie rice and potatoes in cloth and cook them in the boiling water to take home as prasad. A rock pillar called Divya Shila is worshipped before entering.
Yamunotri Temple timings & aarti
Seasonal: opens on Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) and closes on Bhai Dooj (Oct/Nov). During the season usually open from early morning to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Yamunotri Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 210 km from Janki Chatti.
By train
Dehradun Railway Station is about 175 km away; Rishikesh is about 210 km away.
By road
Roads go up to Janki Chatti via Barkot. From there it is a trek of about 6 km to the temple; ponies, palkis and porters are available.
Festivals at Yamunotri Temple
- Kapat Opening on Akshaya TritiyaApr/May
- Yamuna JayantiMar/Apr
- Kapat Closing on Bhai DoojOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended; wear warm layers and good walking shoes.
- Entry
- Darshan is free; registration for the Char Dham Yatra with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory.
- Complete the mandatory Char Dham registration before you set out.
- Start the trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon rain and crowds.
- Carry a small cloth to cook rice at Surya Kund as prasad.
- Stay overnight at Barkot or Janki Chatti to rest before and after the trek.
Places to visit near Yamunotri Temple
- Surya KundBoiling hot spring used to cook prasad, beside the temple
- Janki ChattiTrek base with hot springs, about 6 km below the temple
- KharsaliWinter home of Goddess Yamuna, about 1 km from Janki Chatti
- BarkotMain town and stopover on the route, about 45 km away
Frequently asked questions
When does Yamunotri Temple open?
It opens on Akshaya Tritiya in April or May and closes on Bhai Dooj in October or November.
How long is the Yamunotri trek?
The trek from Janki Chatti is about 6 km one way and usually takes three to four hours on foot.
Why is Yamunotri visited first in Char Dham?
By tradition the Chota Char Dham is done from west to east, so Yamunotri comes first, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Where is Goddess Yamuna worshipped in winter?
In winter, the goddess is worshipped at Kharsali village near Janki Chatti.
What is the aarti time at Yamunotri Temple?
Morning Aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Yamunotri Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended; wear warm layers and good walking shoes.
How to reach Yamunotri Temple?
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 210 km from Janki Chatti. By train: Dehradun Railway Station is about 175 km away; Rishikesh is about 210 km away. By road: Roads go up to Janki Chatti via Barkot. From there it is a trek of about 6 km to the temple; ponies, palkis and porters are available.
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