History of Yamunotri Dham: Mythology and Stories

In the history of Yamunotri Dham, there are many events and stories related to it. The origin of Yamunotri Dham can be found in Mythology and stories related to the birth of Goddess Yamuna and her brother Lord Yama – the God of Death. If you are looking for information on History of Yamunotri dham, Yamunotri, and Stories Behind Yamunotri then you can find that here as we have complied all the information in one article. .

History of Yamunotri, India

The great ancient temple of Goddess Yamuna is situated at an altitude of 3164 meters from sea level. It is one of four sacred dhams located in Chardham Pilgrimage. The other three are Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. The temple has a rich historical as well as mythological significance attached to it. Read about its history, facts, mythology & stories here…

Yamunotri temple has a shrine dedicated to the goddess.Yamunotri Dham is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Yamunotri is the place from where Yamuna river has emerged.

This temple is situated at an altitude of 3235 meters above sea level. An idol of the Hindu goddess Yamuna along with the Hindu god Yama sits in the temple. Yama is considered the elder brother of the Hindu goddess Yamuna.

Yamunotri Temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. It has been destroyed once by an earthquake in the 19th century, which was rebuilt by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur.

Where is Yamunotri located?

The temple is situated at a height of 3,293 meters above sea level in Uttarkashi district. The temple has its own significance as it is one of four dhams located in Garhwal region. The temple dedicated to goddess Yamuna attracts thousands of devotees every year. It remains open for pilgrims from May to November . During winter season when water freezes over.

Stories Behind Yamunotri

Yamuna is also remembered along with the Ganges among the most sacred and ancient rivers of India. Indian culture was born and developed on the banks of these rivers and in the sacred lands of the Doab. Yamuna is not just a river. Its tradition contains inspiration, life and the divine spirit. There are many stories related to Yamuna and Kalindi from the childhood of Krishna to the avatar character.

Surya’s wife’s name was Chhaya Devi. They had two children, son Yamraj and daughter Yamuna.
Yamuna is believed to be the sister of Yamraj. The form of both is said to be black, while both are the children of the Sun. It is said that Surya had a wife Chhaya. The shadow was black in appearance. Because of this his children Yamraj and Yamuna were also born in black color.

Yamraj had given a boon to Yamuna that one who bathes in Yamuna would not have to go to Yamlok. Six days after the beginning of Samvatsara, Yamuna had left her brother and came to Yamunotri Dham.

Yama established a new city of his own, Yampuri, seeing his brother doing the work of punishing sinners in Yampuri, Yamuna ji went to Go Lok. It is also said that there was Yamuna at the time of Krishna incarnation.

Yamuna river originates from Yamunotri. A pilgrimage to that region is considered incomplete without a visit to Yamunotri. This parallel flowing river joins the Ganges at Prayag. Near its origin on the Himalayas there is a peak named Bandarpuch. It is the highest peak in the Garhwal region at a height of about 6500 meters. It is also called Sumeru. One of its part’s is called Kalind. Yamuna originates from here itself. Hence the name of Yamuna was also named ‘Kalindja’ and Kalindi. Both mean Kalinda’s daughter.

For many miles from its origin, its stream flows far and wide, descending very steeply on mountain slopes, imperceptibly in vast icebergs and snow-capped cisterns. If you look from the high sky, you will feel that some celestial being is running fast and leaving behind behind you the traces of black and white stream. Devotees keep reaching Yamunotri directly from the pilgrimages located on its banks.

How to Reach Yamunotri?

The best route to visit Yamunotri is via Dehardun and Barkot. Just in case you are coming from Haridwar-Rishikesh then the road to Yamunotri diverts from Dharasu bifurcation point. Yamunotri is Well connected to Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamba, Tehri, Barkot, Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti.

The Yamunotri Temple is located 13 kilometres from HanumanChatti and a 6 kilometres walk from Janki Chatti. Ponies, Horses or palanquins are available for rent to reach Yamunotri temple.