Yamuna
Yamuna, one of the great and sacred rivers in India
originated at the peak of Sumeru Mountain. Then the river descended down towards
the southern side of the great mountain. On the way down, the river crosses many
peaks. The history says that, Yamuna is the consort of Lord Shri Krishna. Gokula,
the divine abode of the Lord is the home of Yamuna. It is that, the river first
went round Shri Krishna before descending down to earth as per the order of her
Lord.
River Yamuna came to be called as "Kalindi"as she
touched the peak of Kalind. Then she descended down the hills and reached the
plains at Khandav Vana which has been developed as Delhi city now.
According
to tradition,Yamuna and Yama are believedto be the offsprings of Sun God 'Surya'.
Hence it is considered that whoever takes a dip in the holy waters of the source
stream of Yamuna may not have fear of death.
The river Yamuna wished to have the dharshan of Lord
Krishna. She fell in love with him and did penance towards Lord Krishna at
Khandava Vana. Lord surya was her father, who built a beautiful palace under the
water for her. People believe that she is still residing in that place. Yamuna
is popularly called as Jamuna in Uttar Pradesh state and northern India which
rises in Himalayas near Yamunotri. It is about 234-km north of Haridwar.
Technically the source of the Yamuna is "Saptarishi Kund", a glacial lake. To
reach it one has to climb from Yamunotri 12-km right up the mountain. It is from
here the river started her journey to Vrindavan and
Mathura.
Then she started flowing towards south and southeastern
parts and flourished the places on her way. Reaching the Prayag, one of the most
sacred places in India, she
joins with Ganges. Then they both flow together till Ksheer Sagar.
Before reaching the sea, the Yamuna and Ganges
greeted each other. Ganges
continued her journey to Patal Loka as by the orders of Lord Krishna. Yamuna,
who originated from the left part of Lord Krishna decided to ascend again to
reach the abode of Lord Krishna. She ascended in the form of jog like stream on
the peak. Rising skywards she reached the heaven, then the abode of Lord
Krishna.