TirthaYatra तीर्थयात्रा
Yamunotri Temple

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Yamunotri Temple

India · Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand

First stop of the Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham — Yamunotri temple near the Yamuna’s sacred source region.

देवी जी · Devi / ShaktiChota Char Dham

Mythology & Significance

यमुनायै नमः

Salutation to Goddess Yamuna

Devi mantra of the Yamunotri dham

Significance in mythology

Yamunotri is the Devi shrine of the Yamuna in the Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham. Puranic river goddess theology treats Yamuna as sister of Yama and a purifying tirtha; the Himalayan shrine marks the sacred source-region of that devotion.

Pilgrimage literature treats Yamunotri Temple as a tirtha — a crossing where devotion to Goddess Yamuna is believed to bear fruit more readily than in ordinary space. Accounts summarised here follow widely cited epic, Puranic, and regional mahatmya traditions; temple priests remain the guides for ritual detail.

Local stories & beliefs

Pilgrims cook rice in hot springs near the temple as prasadam tradition and regard the tough trek as offering. Seasonal opening and closing frame the goddess’s presence in local calendrical belief.

Yamunotri is consciously distinguished from Adi Shankaracharya’s pan-India Char Dham in informed pilgrimage teaching.

Scriptural & traditional links: Puranic Yamuna mahatmya traditions, Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham pilgrimage lore, Accounts summarised from widely cited Puranic, epic, and pilgrimage traditions; local tellings may differ.

Known for: Source-region shrine of the Yamuna; Chota Char Dham

Important Days, Festivals & Best Time

Festivals & sacred days

  • Major local festival days
  • Navaratri / Shiva-related observances as applicable
Best time to go
May–June and September–October; closed in winter.
Climate
Varies by region — check seasonal weather before travel.
What to carry
Modest clothes, ID proof, water, and offline maps.

Watch & Learn

Orientation videos only — verify timings on official sources.

Open related videos ↗

Location on Map

Pinpoint the sacred site, then plan your approach from the nearest rail or airport listed below.

Open in Google Maps ↗

Getting There, Stay & Food

Nearest railway
Rishikesh / Dehradun then road to Janki Chatti + trek
Nearest airport
Dehradun
Local language
Regional language and Hindi; English varies.

Accommodation

Dharamshalas, trust guest houses, and private hotels near the shrine town.

Local food

Simple vegetarian pilgrim meals and prasadam where offered.

Other food options

Wider options usually in the nearest city.

Nearby Places & Clubbed Packages

Same-trip places

Suggested packages

  • Yamunotri Temple day darshan
  • Regional multi-temple circuit

Practical Darshan Details

Dress code
Modest clothing; follow temple boards for traditional dress rules.
Darshan timings
Typically early morning to evening with ritual breaks — confirm locally.
Special entry / passes
Special entry, if any, only via official temple counters.
Lockers
Cloakrooms where available near the entrance.

Restrictions at gates

Follow phone, leather, and photography rules posted at the gate.

Official trust / tourism website ↗

State / board reference: Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee ↗

More temples in Uttarakhand

Sources & Updates

  • Shri Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee: https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/
  • Temple trust / local administration notices
  • State tourism materials
  • Puranic / pilgrimage tradition (lists can vary by scripture)
  • Uttarakhand Tourism: https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/

Photo: Sujay25 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Last updated: 2026-07-30. Lists and ritual details can vary by tradition. Verify before travel.

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