Yamunotri, source of the Yamuna River

Courtesy: Thyagarajan, Chennai

Shri Shirdi Sai speaks-9th Nov/Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River

Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. The actual source of Yamuna River lies in the Yamunotri Glacier at a height 6,387 mtrs., near Bandarpunch peaks in Lower Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.

The Yamunotri temple is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India.The actual temple is only accessible by a thirteen kilometre trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti and a six kilometer walk from Janki Chatti.

Route to Yamunotri On the way to Yamunotri

The Zig Zag Way to Reach Yamunotri On the way to Yamunotri

Approaching Devdekhni Source of Yamuna.

Glaciers at Yamunotri. Yamuna at Yamunotri

Yamuna River at Yamunotri First view of Yamunotri temple

Close up View of Yamunotri temple from Dev Dekhni Other temples at Yamunotri

Yamuna at Hanumanchati. Hanumanesshwar Mahadev Temple ...Hanumanchatti

Gauri Kund, had tepid water suitable for bathing at Yamunotri, offering relief to tired hikers at a height of 3292 metres

Rice being cooked in Yamunotri tapt kund known as Surya kund.Unique aspects of ritual practice at the site include hot springs where raw rice is cooked and made into prasad. It is located at an altitude of 3,235 metres approximately. A little ahead is the actual source of the river Yamuna which is at an altitude of about 4,421 metres approximately

The original temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. The current temple is of recent origin as past iterations have been destroyed by the weather and elements. Lodging at the temple itself is limited to a few small ashrams and guest-houses.

There seems to be a confusion about who built the temple of Yamunotri, however according to the website official website of the district , the temple was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna and 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

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.

The rivers Ganga and Yamuna along with the now dried Saraswati, are the most sacred rivers in India. 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 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.

Puja at Divya Shila at Yamunotri Temple. May Goddess Yamuna shower her blessings on us and cleanse our souls of all past sins and negative energies

Message from the teachings of Sai baba for 9th November

The Stories (Leelas) of Baba are Beacon-Lights

In the journey of crossing over the ocean of worldly life, the stories of Baba are like the light-house guiding our lives. When situations are gloomy and uncertain, they show the path of light to those who trust in Baba. Whether asked or not, Baba used to guide with His parables and tales. If one recalls those stories, they will help us correct our behaviour and like beams of light in darkness, they lead us. They send warning signals so that we may not slip into pit-falls of troubles. Chanting His name and meditating on Him with devotion will ensure that our legitimate desires are fulfilled. By listening to Baba's stories or by singing psalms in His Glory, our mind feels pleased and feels at rest in peace. Those who keep Baba in their minds and worship Him with deep love and devotion will experience enduring bliss. The light-house will be in the middle of the ocean and shows way to the travelers in boats and ships. Aided with its light, the destination is easily reached without hurdles. Likewise, the stories of Baba show us the way, like a light-house, in our worldly ocean of life and helps us sail smoothly. The stories of Baba are very inspiring and by listening, understanding and following them, we can get rid of our arrogance. The easiest of all the ways to Self-liberation is to listen to Baba's stories and sing hymns, psalms or devotional songs of His Glory.

Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devoh Maheshwar;

Gurur Shakshat Parambramha Tashmai Shri Gurur Veh Namah"

May the Merciful Sri Sai Baba always shower His grace on us and our families and remove our problems and anxieties by giving us all - strength , goodluck, success and happiness with peace of mind.

Sai bhakt,
Deepa H

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