The temple at Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It should be noted that the main Deity of the temple is made up of Black marble. Built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century, the current temple was created after the previous one was destroyed by climate activity.
The Yamunotri shrine was originally constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal on the left seashore of Yamuna River.
The original source of the Yamuna River, Yamunotri is surrounded by stunning high forested peaks and a large valley. The Yamuna is known to be the second-largest and one of the holiest rivers in India after the holy Ganga river. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (God of Son) & the sister of Yama (God of Death).
We Indians believe that you will be washed of your sins when you visit Yamunotri. Given the tough journey, faith, and transcendent significance of the river motivates the pilgrims to their destination. Distinctive features of Yamunotri include hot springs where raw rice is cooked and turned into prasad. Also, there are many holy shrines, ashrams, and temples in and around the Dham.
Yamunotri is located at an altitude of 3293 mts, in the Garhwal region and is situated about 40 km away from Barkot in Uttarkashi. While the actual source of Yamuna lies in the Yamunotri Glacier, at an elevation of 6,387 mts near Bandarpunch Peaks.
Other places of interest nearby include Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Saptarishi Kund Lake, etc.
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