98 Abode of Gods
got wearied of Surya, she requested Chhaya, her own shadow, to
live with Surya and she herself reclined to the coolness of jungles.
With the passage of time, Chhaya gave birth to Sani and Tapati.
Chhaya started illtreating Yamuna and her brothers. Yamuna
was very sensitive and loss of paternal care made her sick. She
prayed to Brahma who advised her to descend to Mrityulok
and relieve the people of their miseries and sufferings. Yamuna
met her brothers before leaving for Mrityulok who gave her
the boon that anyone, no matter what sins he committed, would
attain mukti if he took bath at Yamunotri.
The route
The shrine is situated on an altitude of 3,292 metres. The
Yamunotri valley is separated from Uttarkashi valley by Rari-
ka-dande (9,600 ft.)s the highest parting point, from where one
can look down into the picturesque Yamuna valley on the one
side and Bhagirathi on the other side. The breathtaking view
of setting sun behind the Rawain Jaunsar ranges, far in the west,
shedding golden light behind the silvery clouds which shine like
illuminated metal pieces as if flung in the sky to create an aura
of littering objects round the setting sun. As the sun gradually
grows red, they change their colour into colourful prisms.
As we descend down the valley, a sense of spaciousness envelops
the visitor and when he touches Barakot he is embraced by
most salubrious climate and fascinating view of Yamunotri valley
underneath towering Banderpunchh peak. Barakot is the
terminus of routes coming from the Dehradun—Moussorie—
Dharashu—Barakot—Uttarkashi—Baraket— and Simla—Tuini—
Natwar—Purola road (under construction). All these lead to
only one place that is Sayana-chatti which is 29 km. ahead. From
Sayana-chatti, the pilgrim has to walk upto Yamunotri, a distance
of 20 km. Pilgrims normally make a halt at Beef (also known
as Nanaki Chatti). Pandas of Yamunotri live in Kharsali village
and till their land during slack season and winter. Yamunotri
is only 7 km. from Beef and this part of the journey is very
difficult due to steep climb. But when the panting and sweating
pilgrim reaches Yamunotri (800) he forgets tiredness and other
worldly worries and ultimately when he takes a dip in the holy
Yamunotri, his sins are washed away altogether. In the 194°F