Yamunotri - The Source Of Holy River Yamuna


Originating from the Champasar Glacier at an altitude of 4421 m in the state of Uttarkhand, the revered Yamuna finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. Some say the source of the river is the Saptarishi Kund, a glacial lake. There is a sacred shrine of Yamunotri or Yamnotri, near this source at an altitude of 3235 m. There is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna, which remains closed from November to May. At Hanumanchatti, the Hanuman Ganga merges with Yamuna river. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.
History
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 she touched the peak of Kalind. Then she descended down the hills and reached the plains at Khandav Vana which has been developed as Delhi city now.
According to tradition,Yamuna and Yama are believed to be the offspring of Sun God 'Surya'. Hence it is considered that whoever takes a dip in the holy waters of the source stream of Yamuna may not have fear of death.

Religious Importance
The rivers Ganga and Yamuna along with the now dried Saraswati, are the most sacred rivers in India. Yamuna, according to the legends, is the daughter of the Sun God, Surya and the sister of Yama, the God of Death. According to ancient beliefs it is said that those who take a dip in the holy waters of the river do not fear death. This river is also closely connected to Mahabharat and Lord Krishna. His father Vasudeva, crossed the Yamuna with baby Lord Krishna for a safe place. It is said that Lord Krishna played along with his cowherd friends on the banks of river Yamuna during his childhood.

Yamuna's Course
Yamuna is popularly called as Jamuna in Uttar Pradesh state and northern India which rises in Himalayas near Yamunotri. It is from here the river started her journey to Vrindavan and Mathura. Then she started flowing towards south and southeastern parts and flourished the places on her way. Reaching the Prayag, one of the most sacred places in India, she joins with Ganges. Then they both flow together till Ksheer Sagar.
Before reaching the sea, the Yamuna and Ganges greeted each other. Ganges continued her journey to Patal Loka as by the orders of Lord Krishna. Yamuna, who originated from the left part of Lord Krishna decided to ascend again to reach the abode of Lord Krishna. She ascended in the form of jog like stream on the peak. Rising skywards she reached the heaven, then the abode of Lord Krishna.

How to Reach

By Air
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

By Train
Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.

By Road
The road to Yamunotri diverts from Dharasu bifurcation point.

Important road distances: Hanuman Chatti (13 km), Dharasu (107 km). Tehri (149 km).
Hanuman Chatti to Phool Chatti is 5 km by jeep, 3 km Phool Chatti to Janki Chatti on foot and 5 km from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri by trek (8 km trek), the roadhead for Yamunotri is connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavstha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.

Important Road Distances:
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km. via Narendranagar 16 km, Chama 46 km, Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Sayana Chatti 27 km, Hanuman Chatti 6 km, Phool Chatti 5 km, Janki Chatti 3 km and Yamunotri 6 km.

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