The sister of Yama
The goddess of Yamunotri is the river itself. In the account published by the state's pilgrimage portal, the Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the god of death.
That relationship gives the river its promise. Because she is Yama's sister, bathing in her waters is believed to bring salvation and to protect the bather from untimely death.
The practices at the shrine follow from this. Pilgrims first worship the Divya Shila, a rock pillar near the temple, before entering the shrine. Close by is Surya Kund, a natural hot spring; pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in its water and take them as an offering.
The goddess does not stay at the source all year. When the portals close on Bhaiya Dooj, her doli is carried down to Kharsali, which the portal describes as her winter seat and which is known for its old Shani temple. Devotees can see her there for the six months until the shrine reopens.
The fuller Puranic account of Yamuna and Yama has not yet been traced to a primary text.
Where this account comes from
- Government: Government of Uttarakhand, Registration and Tourist Care portal, Yamunotri Dham, 2026 registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in · seen 2026-10-09
- Press: News On AIR, "Shri Kedarnath and Shri Yamunotri Temples Close for Winter on Bhaiya Dooj", 23 October 2025 newsonair.gov.in · seen 2026-10-09