In Uttarkashi (Yamunotri), Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple is a shrine to Goddess Yamuna (represented by a black marble idol). It is also known as Yamunotri Dham.
One of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna; the Surya Kund hot spring and Divya Shila are central to its rituals. Yamunotri is one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who in tradition is the sister of Yama.
Uttarakhand carries a distinct temple identity of its own: Dev Bhoomi, the Land of the Gods, home to the Char Dham Himalayan shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and the Shakti temples of Haridwar.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | Temple opens ~6:00 AM; Morning Aarti 6:00-6:30 AM |
| Evening | Evening Aarti 7:00-7:30 PM; temple closes ~8:00 PM |
Bhog Aarti around 12:00-12:30 PM. Timings may vary during festivals and seasonal adjustments. The temple is open only from around May to October/November.
Poojas and daily rituals
Morning Aarti, Bhog Aarti and Evening Aarti; prasad is traditionally cooked in the Surya Kund hot spring
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening (Akshaya Tritiya) | April-May | The portals open on Akshaya Tritiya (19 April in 2026) with special ceremonies |
| Temple Closing (Bhai Dooj / Yama Dwitiya) | October-November | Closing rituals as winter snowfall sets in |
History and architecture
History
Yamunotri is one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who in tradition is the sister of Yama. Pilgrims traditionally worship at the Divya Shila (the 'Rock of Light') before the deity, and cook rice or lentils as prasad in the naturally hot waters of the Surya Kund beside the temple. Like the other Char Dham shrines it opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes in winter.
Planning your visit
How to reach
The roadhead is Janki Chatti (reached via Barkot); from there it is a trek of about 3-4 km uphill to the temple, taking 3-4 hours. Palanquins and ponies are available. Char Dham Yatra registration is required.
Yamunotri Temple in photographs
5 freely-licensed photographs of this temple, from Wikimedia Commons. Each is credited to its photographer.




Where this information comes from
Confidence: Medium. Aarti timings from a tour operator source; temple open only May-October/November
