Yamunotri Temple Opening And Closing Dates Announced For Char Dham

Every year, hundreds of people attempt one of India's most revered pilgrimages, the Char Dham Yatra. The Yatra goes through the four pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Gangotri. Yamunotri Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand is due to open its doors to devotees on May 10. One of the Chota Chardham temples, it is thought to be the source of the country's sacred Yamuna River. Every year, thousands of pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey to seek blessings at this temple.

What To Know

This year, the Yamunotri Temple will be opened from May 10. The auspicious date was chosen based on the Hindu Panchang, which corresponds with Akshay Tritiya. The Char Dham Temple Committee decides the closing date. This year, it will close on October 31. If you are planning a visit to the temple, here's some more usable information. The morning and evening aartis are held from 6:30 to 07:30 AM and 6:30 to 07:30 PM. The temple will be open for general viewing from 7:30 AM to 12PM., as well as at 2PM. There will be no darshan from 12 to 2 PM. When the temples close for the year, on appointed days, the representative deities are brought down in a grand procession to temples at lower levels for daily worship. 

The Char Dham Pilgrimage

As far as mountain pilgrimages go, the Char Dham Yatra (to Kedarnath, Badrinath Yamunotri, and Gangotri) is one of the most popular. The pilgrimage to the town of Gangotri, famous for its old Gurkha-built temple to Ganga, is easily the pick of the lot. This isn't just because of the spiritual quotient, but also the natural beauty of the region. The origin of the Bhagirathi River, the chief tributary of the Ganga, lies in the Gangotri glacier, some 18km further above Gangotri. Just a few hours' walk from the town into the many nearby valleys takes you into the heart of the Himalayas.

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Kedarnath stands as a revered sanctuary and a cherished destination for countless devotees in India. As one of the Char Dhams, Kedarnath holds a significant place in the hearts of pilgrims. Beyond its spiritual allure, Kedarnath boasts a breathtaking natural beauty that captivates visitors. If you are gearing up to embark on a pilgrimage, we have compiled some invaluable travel tips to ensure your comfort. Check it out here.