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 Do Dham Yatra or the journey to two revered places is a pious ritual according to the Hindu Mythology. The Do Dham Yatra takes pilgrims to the holy sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri. Gangotri is the source of the Ganga, high in the Himalayas whereas Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna. Every year a number of devotees throng these holy shrines in Uttaranchal.
Gangotri is the place high in the Garhwal Himalayas from where the holy Ganges originates. According to the legend, it was here the Ganga descended on the earth, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The temple of Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga stands on the bank of the river. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Nearby is 'Bagirath Shila', which is the rock on which King Bhagirath worshipped the Lord Shiva.
Yamunotri is situated in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas and is at a height of 3,235 metres above sea level. Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The shrine of Yamunotri is located on the Bandar Poonchh peak. The temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. There are a few thermal water springs around the temple, which contain various medicinal properties. Devotees to the shrine of Yamunotri take a dip in these hot water springs.
How to Reach Do Dham
The nearest airport to both Gangotri and Yamunotri is Jolly Grant near Dehradun and Rishikesh is the nearest railhead. Yamunotri is about 213 kilometres from Rishikesh and Gangotri is 249 kilometres away.
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