Goddess Yamuna | Mata Yamuna

Maa Yamuna

In Hinduism, the River Yamuna is worshipped in the form of Goddess Yamuna. As She is the sister of Yamaraja, She is also known by the name Yami. According to descriptions found in the Rigveda, the divine twins Yama and Yami were born from the womb of Suryadeva's wife, Saranyu. Here, Suryadeva is referred to as Vivasvan. Kurma Purana also contains accounts related to Goddess Yamuna. As a river, the Yamuna originates at Yamunotri, which is situated at an altitude of 3,235 meters above sea level in the Uttarkashi district. Yamunotri Dhama is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

For the residents of the Braj region, Goddess Yamuna holds immense significance. Yamuna Ji is a witness to many of the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna. It was on the sacred banks of the Yamuna that Lord Krishna performed divine acts such as the Chira Harana, i.e., stealing the garments of the Gopis and the subjugation of Kaliya Naag. The presence of 24 Ghats of the Yamuna in Mathura highlights Her special importance. Along with Shri Radha and Lord Krishna, Goddess Yamuna is also prominently worshipped throughout Braj Mandala. In the evenings, grand Aarti of Shri Yamuna Ji is performed at the river Ghats. On special occasions related to Goddess Yamuna, the ritual of Chunari Manorath is organized, during which a large ceremonial veil, i.e., Chunari is offered to Goddess Yamuna by boats.

Maa Yamuna Origin

Lord Surya had two wives named Sanjna (सँज्ञा) and Chhaya (छाया). Goddess Chhaya, considered the mother of Lord Shani, Yamaraja and Goddess Yamuna, was the shadow form of Goddess Saranyu, also known as Sanjna. According to a Puranic legend, Goddess Sanjna was unable to bear the intense radiance of Lord Surya. Therefore, after conceiving, She left Her shadow form at home and went to Her parents' abode to perform penance in order to endure the brilliance of Lord Surya. During this period, Lord Shani, Yamaraja and Goddess Yamuna were born from the womb of Goddess Chhaya.

Maa Yamuna Iconography

Maa Yamuna is depicted with a dark complexion. In some illustrations, She is shown seated upon a tortoise. In one of Her hands, She holds a beautiful garland made of lotus flowers, while in the other hand She holds a lotus. In an ancient depiction, Goddess Yamuna is shown as a graceful young woman standing on the riverbank. From the Gupta period onward, symbolic representations of Goddess Yamuna have been carved on temple walls and doorways. Along with Goddess Yamuna, Goddess Ganga was also commonly depicted in temples. In the Agni Purana, Goddess Yamuna is described as dark-complexioned, standing upon a tortoise, which serves as Her vehicle and holding a Kalasha, i.e., water-filled pot in Her hand.

Maa Yamuna Family

Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Suryadeva and was born from the womb of Goddess Saranyu. Yamaraja, Revanta, Shraddhadeva Manu and the Ashwini Kumara are all Her brothers. Detailed accounts of the sibling relationship between Yamuna and Yamaraja are found in the Vishnu Purana and the Markandeya Purana. Goddess Yamuna was married to Lord Krishna and is counted among His eight principal queens, collectively known as the Ashta Bharya. The sacred texts list Rukmini, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Satya, Bhadra and Lakshmana as Ashta Patarani, i.e., the eight queens of Lord Krishna, among whom Kalindi is Goddess Yamuna Herself.

Maa Yamuna Mantra

Maa Yamuna Festivals

• Yamuna Chhath
• Yama Dwitiya

Famous and prominent temples of Maa Yamuna

• Yamunotri Dham, Uttarakhand
• Prachina Yamuna Temple, Keshi Ghat, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh