Yamuna River, Uttarakhand

Also referred to ad Jumna or Jamna (not Jamuna of Bangladesh) this river is famed for being the 2^nd largest tributary of Ganga and the longest tributary in India. The river emerges from the slopes of the Champasar glacier in the Bandarpoonch Parbat on an elevation of 8,387 metres above sea level this place marks the lower Himalayan region of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The holy river travels over a distance of 1,376 kms and merges with the holy river of Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj which is one of the holiest locations in India and site for the famous Kumbh Mela of India which takes place once in every 12 years. All this shows that the river holds incredible religious and holy place in the hearts of devout Hindus.

About Banderpooch Peaks

Literally translating into ‘tail of the monkey’ and adorned in the Garhwal division of Himalayas this mountain massif is named and dedicated to lord Hanuman. It is strategically situated all along the western edge of the high Himalayan ranges and covered in white snow making a visit here feel like a dream come true. Lying within the famous Govind Pashu national park and wildlife sanctuary this is also a major watershed for Yamuna river whose source can be traced back to above and beyond Yamunotri temple shrine. The peak was first summited by Maj Gen Harold Williams in the year 1950 which also included the great legendary mountaineer – Tenzing Norgay. The place forms the perfect destination for outdoor adventure seekers and fun seeking travellers.

Course of Yamuna River

From its source in the Champasar glacier the river flows 200 km southwards making its way through the lower Himalayan region as well as the Shivalik ranges. Near Naugaon you can witness some terraced land formation which are believed to have been formed here over a long period of time. Tons river, a centre of adventure water sports activities, is the largest tributary which drains a massive portion of the upper catchment area and is said to hold more water than the main stream of the river. Rising from Har ki Dun valley it later on goes on to merge near Dehradun with Kalsi. Gracefully making its way downwards from Dehradun it then crosses the famous Sikh pilgrimage destination of Ponta Sahib and finally reaches Tajewala in Haryana. During the dry season months the stretch of river between Delhi and Tajewala dam completely dries up. The river Yamuna defines the border between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and in between Haryana, UP and Delhi. It runs almost parallel to Ganga once it enters the Indo Gangetic plains. This land in between is the Ganges – Yamuna doab region and spreads on an area of 69,000 sq. km.

Religious Significance

Just like the other rivers in India Yamuna river also holds a great deal of religious and sacred significance in the lives of the Indian population here. The river is named after the sister of Yama i.e. Yami who also happens to be the daughter of Surya. She is worshipped everywhere it goes. The river is also connected to the religious beliefs about lord Krishna. As per the various religious Hindu texts, especially the Purans, has mentioned this river. It is said that when lord Krishna was being taken across the Yamuna river after his birth, Yamuna parted river into two parts so as to make way for Vasudeva carrying Krishna’s basket. Since then Krishna had spent his childhood and adolescent years by the river, before finally meeting her in the forest when he had gone to meet the Pandav brothers.

Places to Visit Around Yamuna River

• Yamunotri – The temple of Yamunotri and the starting point of the holy char dham yatra, this tall temple marks the origin point of the holy river of Yamuna from the cascading waterfalls that surround all the region. Goddess Yamuna is worshipped here in the form of a glistening black idol. People walk for 7 kms of a narrow lane hanging by the mountain which allows you to have an exhilarating journey to the temple.
• Vrindavan – This is one of the holiest towns in Uttar Pradesh which is visited by the devotees of Krishna from all over the world. The significance of this place is due to the fact that Krishna ji had spent his childhood here and there are several temples dedicated to him. Along with this Radha also plays in important role here and several temples are also dedicated to her. Prem mandir is a landmark temple here.
• Mathura – The sacred city of Uttar Pradesh is famous for being the sri Krishna janmabhoomi or the birth place of lord Krishna. The Yamuna river flowing through it is adorned with 25 ghats. The spiritual aura here is impeccable and the ambience is doused with an incredible sense of devotion. You can take a dip in the river water here which will free you from the fear of death.
• Triveni Sangam, Allahabad – this is probably one of the holiest confluences in India and the site of the Mahakumbh Mela of India. This place is the point where the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical river of Saraswati. Taking a dip in the holy water here is considered to free you from the karmic cycle of birth and rebirth.

Yamuna Pollution

Rivers in India are considered to be extremely sacred and is treated with great respect anywhere it goes through. Once the river boasted of its clear blue water but now it has turned into one of the most polluted rivers in India, especially around the capital – New Delhi. The pollution has been pinned to the 58% of the waste which is dumped into this river. Everyday this pollutant count has increased at an alarming rate. The worst part? 70% of the Delhi population drinks the water treated from Yamuna. To add on to the problems, 15 out of 32 sewage treatment plants are working below their full capacity. This is only helping in increasing the river pollution. A serious step in conservation needs to be taken immediately in order to maintain the sanctity and respect the historical significance of this river.