Yamunotri Temple Opening & Closing

Yamunotri is among a few of the highest sacred temples dedicated to the holy Yamuna River. The temple is located in the Himalayan ranges and is only open for six months of a year and is visited by pilgrims throughout the time it is open.

When does Yamunotri Temple open for Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand?

The opening date of Shri Yamunotri Dham temple is usually on the day of Akshay Tritiya, which is in April/May every year. The opening ceremony of Yamunotri temple is called "Jankhi Chatti Puja".

On the day Yamunotri temple is opened for the first time in a year, a vibrant spiritual event is held with sacred rituals being performed to commence the pilgrimage season.

Before the day of opening, the temple complex is cleaned and decorated with flowers and colourful articles. Priests purify the temple premises chanting mantras and performing rituals.

On the opening day, the Temple is surrounded by devotees and as the first ray of sunlight falls on the temple, doors are opened. The day begins in the temple with a "Mangal Aarti" performed by the priest complimented by lines of Diyas (divine light lamps) filled with ghee and lit in front of the idol of Goddess Yamuna. Then the day proceeds with vedic hymns and devotional songs filling the air. Devotees take the first darshan for the deity of Yamuna Devi and take part in the special pooja to get the "prasad" (blessed food).

Also, many devotees take the holy dip in the Janki Kund, a sacred source of the Yamuna river near the Yamunotri temple. This opening day signifies the pilgrimage season for Yamunotri temple for the year.

When does the Yamunotri Temple shrine in Uttarakhand, Himalayas, close?

The Yamunotri temple closes in the month of October or November each year. Although the exact date varies each year depending on the Hindu calendar. But usually the Yamunotri Dham is scheduled to close on the festival of Bhai Dooj.

At the beginning of winter, the pilgrimage season for Yamunotri Dham is concluded. This is because the harsh winter is neither favourable nor safe for pilgrims to reach this high altitude. The closing of the temple takes place on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj which is two days after the Diwali festival.

Both the opening & closing of the Yamunotri temple yatra witness a special ceremony. However, the closing ceremony is brief, still meaningful and filled with special rituals which soothe the mind and soul. On the closing day, the deity is offered special prayers and flowers. The winter seat of Goddess Yamuna is set in Kharsali, where the Goddess is worshipped until the harsh winter completes and the temple reopens in the spring. There is a special procession held to transfer the deity in a Doli from Yamunotri to Kharsali. The Doli (Palkhi) is a magnificent sight to witness.

Yamunotri Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2024