Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,291 metres. Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th century. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands and reconstructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
The deity or Goddess Yamuna is made of black marble. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands. Close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Suryakund is the most important Kund. Near the Suryakund there is a shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. Rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam

The original Yamunotri Temple is said to have been built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. However, there are stories of it being constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Due to destruction by weather and the elements, the temple has been renovated a couple of times. Yamunotri Dham’s mythological significance is narrated in a popular legend that is related to sage Asit Muni who lived here and used to bathe in the Ganges and the Yamuna River daily. In his old age, he was unable to go to Gangotri, thus a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. Also, Goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death). It is believed that worshipping the Yamuna would also please Sun God and Yama.