History of Shri Yamunotri Temple

The Yamunotri Temple is an important part of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand and holds a special place in the hearts of Hindu devotees. Learn in detail about the history of the Yamunotri Temple, its legends, temple architecture, and the significance of Shri Yamunotri Dham Temple in Hinduism.

Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Western Region of the Garhwal Himalayas. This temple shrine is devoted to the Maa Yamuna, which is a holy river and according to Hindu Mythology it is believed that if you dip in the Yamuna River, your sins are washed away. Yamuna River originates from Yamunotri Glacier and it is one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. The temple is perched at an altitude of 3,293 meters, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and verdant forests. The natural beauty of the holy site welcomes many tourists from across India, and it remains open for pilgrims from Akshaya Tritiya(may) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali). This Yamunotri Temple is a full-day trip from these towns- Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Dehradun.

The actual temple is about 13 kilometers away from the town of Hanuman Chatti and 6 kilometers away from Janki Chatti. You also rented the Horses and Palanquins on the trek. In this trek, you can see lots of waterfalls, which will give you the picturesque views and rented the Horses and Palanquins so that you can trek easily.

Yamunotri - Mythological Origins & Legends

The ancient history of Yamunotri Temple is steeped into mythology and legends. According to mythology Yamuna River is the daughter of Lord Sun, and she is the twin of Lord Yam, who is the God of Death. It is believed that Yamuna River made a promise to her brother Yamraj that whoever takes a bath in the Yamuna River all his sins will be washed away and protected from untimely death. Because of this story, Hindus Believe that Goddess Yamuna is very kind-hearted, and dipping in her water gives surety to the devotees who do not have to suffer any torture of Yamloka (where Lord Yam lives).

The Story of Lord Shiv and Sati

Another story is there, as per Vamana Purana, when Lord Shiva is very disturbed after the death of his wife Sati, Lord Vishnu disassembles her body into 51 pieces, which makes these pieces as Shakti Peethes. Thinking about his wife Sati, after a long time, Lord Shiv jumped into the Yamuna River to control his anger and the painful memory of his wife. At that time, Lord Shiv dipped and washed all his memories with his wife Sati, so the Yamuna River turned black.

The Legend- Rishi Asit Muni

According to the Legend, in Yamunotri Temple a great Rishi, Asit Muni lived in that place and bathed daily in both the Holy River Yamuna and Ganga but when time passed, he grew old and was unable to go to the Ganga River, so one day the Ganga River appeared beside the Yamuna, allowing him to continue his ritual. Because of this miracle, it is believed that the hot spring water, which is also known as Surya Kund, is located. This hot spring water offers the Prasad to the devotees. Pujaris make prasad (raw rice) using this hot spring water and this is the oldest ritual in the Yamunotri Temple.

Historical Background - Construction by Garwhal King Tehri

History says this Temple was built by the Garhwal King Tehri, Sudarshan Shah, who was king of the cultural center of Uttarakhand. Later this temple was rebuilt by the Rani of Jaipur in the 19th century when the Temple saw massive destruction due to an earthquake. This Temple is a mixture of a typical North Indian Style, with a distinctive conical shape.

Architecture of Shri Yamunotri Dham Temple

The Architecture of Yamunotri Temple is very simple and elegant, this Temple's main deity (Goddess Yamuna) is in the Black Marble. This Temple was designed so that if there are any circumstances like sloping roofs or heavy rainfall this Temple can handle all these harsh conditions. The facade of the Temple is decorated with amazing carvings which depict Hindu Mythology.

Outside of this Temple, there is a big rock, which is known as Divya Shila. It is believed devotees worship this rock pillar before entering the Temple and then enter the Temple. With this worshiped belief that all prayers and offerings are made with the purity and devotion symbolized by the Rock’s sanctity. Suraj Kund, the hot spring water, also complex this Temple and it is another story that is linked to the SurajKund, it is believed that this hot spring is the blessing of Surya (Lord Sun) and he is the father of Goddess Yamuna, so its show the Father-Daughter bond with this hot spring water.