Yamuna is called the ‘Goddess of Life’ in Hinduism. In Hinduism, she is the holy river and tributary of the holiest river in India that is the River Ganges. The Yamuna River is worshipped as a Hindu Goddess in India. She is known as Yami and called Kalindi in later literature.
Yamuna is also called Katyayani as Adi Parashakti, Devi and River Goddess. Yamuna is also affiliated as one of Ashtabharya, with Lord Krishna. She lives in Suryaloka, Yamunotri. The tortoise is her mount while the Lotus is her symbol. In India, a number of festivals are celebrated in her name including Bhai Dooj, Yamuna Jayanti, and Surya Shashti.
Hindus believe that drinking or bathing in the waters of Yamuna River can help in cleansing sins of the person. Yamuna is depicted holding a water pot in one hand, standing on the tortoise and is black in complexion. In some paintings of the ancient times, she is depicted as a beautiful maiden standing on the river banks.
Yamuna is described as Surya’s daughter and his favorite child, in Puranic literature. While being described as daughter of Lord Surya, Yamuna is also called Suryaja, Ravinandini and Suryatanaya. She is also presented as Yama’s sister and daughter of Brahma. Her brothrs include the twin Ashvins, the first man named Vaivasvata Manu, Shani and the twin Ashvins.
According to Hinduism, she is second holiest river after the River Ganges, in India. Her convergence with the other holy rivers is believed to be very holy spots by pilgrimages. Her sources, Bateshvar, Mathura and Yamunotri are the other holy pilgrimage sites of the Yamuna River. A Temple is dedicated in Yamuna’s name on the banks of the River Yamuna at Yamnotri.
