Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna located in the Garhwal Himalayas at Yamunotri in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Situated at about 3,293 metres elevation near the source of the Yamuna River, it is the first shrine of the Char Dham Yatra. Originally built in the 19th century by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, the black marble temple is accessible only by a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti.

Visitors can expect a high-altitude pilgrimage setting reached by a 6 km steep trek from Janki Chatti along the Yamuna River valley. The small black marble temple stands on a narrow mountain ledge with the Yamuna River flowing beside it. The complex includes the main shrine with an idol of Goddess Yamuna, the hot water spring Surya Kund and the Divya Shila rock pillar where prayers are offered. Surroundings are rugged Himalayan peaks, forests and thermal springs. Facilities are basic and seasonal.

The present temple was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The original structure was damaged by weather and earthquakes and has been reconstructed several times. It is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and marks the symbolic source of the Yamuna River, with the actual glacial source at Saptarishi Kund and Champasar Glacier higher up.

Yamunotri is the first Dham of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand and holds high religious importance for Hindus as the abode of Goddess Yamuna, daughter of Surya and sister of Yama. Pilgrims traditionally offer prayers at Divya Shila before entering the temple and take a dip in Surya Kund. The shrine is part of the Chota Char Dham circuit alongside Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.