According to Hindu mythology, the Yamuna River is considered to be the daughter of the Sun God, Surya, and twin sister of the Yama, the God of Death. It is believed that bathing in the waters of the Yamuna River can cleanse one’s sins and provide salvation.
The temple of Yamunotri is said to have been built by the sage Asit Muni, who used to live in the vicinity of the holy site. According to the legend, the sage used to take a bath in the nearby hot springs before offering his prayers to the goddess Yamuna.
There is a unique ritual that takes place at the Yamunotri temple every year, known as the ‘Kharsoli’ or ‘Jalabhishek’ ceremony. During this ceremony, the temple priests carry a silver idol of the goddess Yamuna to the nearby hot springs, where they immerse it in the boiling water for some time. The idol is then taken out and placed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, where the devotees offer their prayers.
According to a local legend, the Yamuna River was once a beautiful princess named Yami who fell in love with Lord Krishna. However, Lord Krishna rejected her love and advised her to take the form of a river to flow down to the earth and bless the people with her divine presence.
The region around Yamunotri is known for its abundant flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, butterflies, and medicinal herbs. The region is also home to the famous Himalayan black bear, which can be spotted in the forests and hills surrounding the temple.