YAMNOTRI – The origin of River Yamuna

In the continuation of my last post “Scenic Spots on the way to Divine Yatra YAMNOTRI”. Next day morning we got up at 5 AM to get ready for the trekking of Yamnotri which is about 6 Km. from Jannki Chatti. It was still raining since last night so we were in the dilemma to go or not as our kids were also there with us. We decided to get ready and if rain stops we all would go other wise my Brother-in-law& I will leave. As it was quite difficult to go till Yamnotri temple when it was raining. By the time we got ready around 6 AM, my sister came to our room & informed that it stopped raining. We all felt happy as we were thinking that reaching so close to our destination we all won’t be able to have the Darshan of Maa Yamnotri but by Maa’s grace our wish was fulfilled & we all proceeded towards Yamnotri at 6.30 AM.

Introduction of River Yamuna

River Yamuna with a total length of around 1,370 kilometers, is the largest tributary of the Ganges in northern India. Yamuna is considered the most sacred among all the rivers as per Hindu mythology. It flows through the states of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganges at Allahabad. The cities of Delhi, Mathura and Agra lie on its banks.

The history says that, Yamuna is the consort of Lord Shri Krishna. Gokula, the divine abode of the Lord is the home of Yamuna. It is that, the river first went round Shri Krishna before descending down to earth as per the order of her Lord. River Yamuna came to be called as “Kalindi”as it touched the peak of Kalind. Then it descended down the hills and reached the plains at Khandav Vana which has been developed as Delhi city now.

YAMNOTRI is located at Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand at a height of 3293 meters above sea level on the western range of Banderpunch Mountain surrounded by Himalayan which gives scenic view. On the way you will find river Yamuna & the falls. It is one of the holiest pilgrimages of Chardahm yatra. The temple is dedicated to river Yamuna.

According to the legends, it is the daughter of the Sun God, Surya and the sister of Yama, the God of Death. The Goddess is believed to have come down from the heavens to sanctify the world. According to ancient beliefs it is said that those who take a dip in the holy waters of the river do not fear death.

Yamuna is most revered river in India after Ganga. The best time to visit this place is during May to September . During winters the whole place is covered under the snow that time Yamuna is worshiped in Village kharsali. The priests of yamnotri comes from the same village Kharsali which is about 1 Km from jannki chatti. They are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites.

According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. All his life, he bathed daily both in Ganga and Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of Ganga appeared opposite Yamunotri for him.

The temple and the place opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya Tritya, which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. The temple always closes on the sacred day of Diwali in mid October – 1st week of November, with a brief ceremony. The temple staff return to their villages and for the rest of the time the valley is gripped in no man silence and covered with white sheet of snow. With melting of snow next summer, temple re-opens to blissful happiness of thousands of visitors again.

There seems to be a confusion as to who built the temple of Yamunotri. However according to sources, the temple was originally constructed by King of Tehri , Pratap Shah in 1919. Some says the original temple was built by the Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in last decade of 19th century. The Yamuna like Ganga has been elevated to the status of divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.

The path are narrow and due care is necessary while treading on these paths especially while passing past to the moving ponies and dandies. The trek from Janki chatti to Yamunotri is steep. Though only six kilometer, is very strenuous. The natural beauty pays the dividends. Gradually large glaciers become apparent. Here from Bandarpoonch peak Yamuna comes out.

Worth to see the following places

Yamnotri Temple : The Main Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna , who is represented by a black marble idol.

Divya Shila : Out side the main temple near Surya Kund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshiped before Puja is offered to Goddess Yamuna.

Surya Kund There are five kunds (thermal springs) known as SURYA KUND , TAPTH KUND , JAMUNA KUND, VISHNU KUND & BHRAM KUND.

Surya Kund is is the most important kund , Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in Surya Kund , tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as Prasad.

Sapthrishi kund : The actual source of Yamuna , Saptrishi Kund lies above 10 kms ahead at an altitude of about 4221 meters above the sea leavel. The approach is extremely difficult hence pilgrims offer puja at the temple itself. Saptrishi kund is known for the rare Brahma Lotus.

After Darshan we reached Jannki Chatti & started our journey for Gangotri.

Next post “Scenic spots on the way to Divine Yatra Gangotri” will be in next couple of days.

HAPPY GHUMAKKARI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!