Legends of River Yamuna: Tale of Birth and Marriage

The legends surrounding the River Yamuna are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and have captivated the hearts of devotees for centuries. Yamuna, also known as Yami, Jamuna, or Jamna, is considered a sacred water stream in Hinduism and is the most important tributary of the Ganges River. With a total length of approximately 1,370 kilometers, the Yamuna flows through the states of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Ganges at Allahabad.

In Hindu Religion, Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of Surya, the Sun God, and Saranyu or Sanjana, the Cloud Goddess. She is Yama's sister, the God of Death. Yamuna holds a significant place in the life of Lord Krishna, as she is one of his wives or Ashtabharya. During the Dwapar Yuga, when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishna in Mathura, Yamuna played a crucial role.

Yamuna is described as the favorite child of Surya and is often referred to as Suryatanaya, Ravinandini, and Suryaja. She has several notable siblings, including Yama, the God of Death, Vaivasvata Manu, the father of humans, the Ashvins, the divine doctors, and Shani, the planet Saturn.

The name Yamuna has intriguing origins. According to legend, Yamuna's mother, Sanjana, closed her eyes in the presence of Surya due to his intense heat and brightness, which he took as an insult. As a result, their son was named Yama, meaning "the restrainer" or "the controller." However, when Sanjana made efforts to keep her eyes open, Surya was impressed, and he blessed their daughter to be considered a goddess, hence she became Yamuna. Yama represents death and darkness, while Yamuna is associated with after-death rituals, purification, and salvation. The mountain Kalinda, from where the Yamuna originates, gave her the name Kalindi.

Several stories contribute to the mystique of the River Yamuna. One tale explains how the river turned black. In the Vamana Purana, it is said that Shiva, overcome with grief after the death of his wife Sati, bathed in the Yamuna to alleviate his sorrow. Another story attributes the darkening of the river to the serpent Kaliya, who released venom into its waters.

The meeting of Krishna and Yamuna holds a special place in the lore. As an infant, Krishna was taken by his father Vasudeva to his cousin Nanda's home for safety. During the journey, a heavy rainstorm caused the Yamuna to rage. When Krishna requested the river to give him passage, Yamuna saw him for the first time and desired to touch his feet. Krishna obliged, touching the water and calming the river.

Krishna spent his youth in Vrindavan, playing the flute on the banks of the Yamuna and engaging in divine pastimes with Radha, the gopis, gopas, and cows. Eventually, he moved to Dwarka and established his kingdom there. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna's marriage to Yamuna, known as Kalindi, took place in Indraprastha (Delhi), where they encountered a girl named Kalindi who expressed her desire to marry Vishnu. Krishna agreed to marry her, and they returned to Dwarka after the wedding. Kalindi gave birth to ten sons.

The legends of the River Yamuna, with their elements of divine love, marriage, and spiritual significance, continue to inspire devotion and reverence among followers of Hinduism.

Conclusion: In Vedic Story, which encompasses the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, there are numerous stories and hymns that provide insights into the celestial and divine realms. These texts contain hymns dedicated to various gods and goddesses, including the personification of natural elements such as rivers.