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Know Everything About Yamuna River: From Himalayan Origins to Krishna’s Playground and Beyond

Updated: Nov 2

Origin of Yamuna River

The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier near the Bandarpunch Mountains in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The actual origin is Champasar Glacier located on the Kalindi Mountain, which is 1 km away from the Yamunotri glacier, but inaccessible to people. 


Interesting Facts About Yamuna River

  1. The Yamuna River is the only right bank tributary of the Ganga River.

  2. In terms of length, the Yamuna River ranks as the second-longest tributary of the Ganges counting transboundary rivers, and the longest one among the Indian tributaries. 

  3. The Yamuna is larger than the Ganga at the point of confluence in Prayagraj. 

  4. Yamunotri is one of the four Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. 

  5. The Yamuna Action Plan, introduced in 1993, is a large river restoration project between the Government of India and Japan that is going on in phases.

  6. Some key barrages along the Yamuna include the Tajewala Barrage, the Okhla Barrage, and the Palla Barrage. There are many canals for irrigation, a major one being the Eastern Yamuna Canal. 

  7. Yamuna biodiversity park in Delhi, situated on the Yamuna river front, and Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana are famous protected forest areas which are home to many animals and birds. 

  8. Yamuna Jayanti, also known as Yamuna Chhath, is a festival celebrating the birth anniversary of the Yamuna River. It typically falls on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). 

  9. Kesi Ghat in Mathura, located on the banks of the Yamuna is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna killed the demon named Kesi. 

  10. Kapal Mochan Mela is an annual festival held in a town called Kapal Mochan along the banks of the Yamuna in Haryana. This fair is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

  11. The Chambal region, known for its ravines and rugged terrain, was notorious in the olden days for being a stronghold of bandits or dacoits

  12. The confluence of the rivers Yamuna, Chambal, Kunwari, Sindh and Pahuj is locally called Panchnad, and is famous for being a site for watching River Dolphins in the Chambal. 


Course Of Yamuna River

Flowing through the Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand, the Yamuna traverses through the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Finally, the Yamuna merges with the Ganga River at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. 


Main Tributaries of Yamuna River

  1. The Chambal River is the chief tributary of the Yamuna River. It arises in the Vindhya Range in western Madhya Pradesh. It flows northwards through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It merges with the Yamuna at the confluence of five rivers, including the Kunwari, Sind, and Pahuj, at ‘Pachnada’ near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.

  2. The Sindh River originates from the Malwa Plateau in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. It flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River near Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

  3. The Tons River originates from the Bandarpunch Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, joining the Yamuna River near Kalsi, Uttarakhand.

  4. The Hindon River originates from the Aravalli Range near Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It flows through Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, joining the Yamuna River near Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

  5. The Ken River originates from the Khajuraho hills of Madhya Pradesh. The river flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, eventually joining the Yamuna River near Chilla in Uttar Pradesh.

  6. The Betwa River originates from the Vindhya Range near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, merging into the Yamuna in Hamirpur district in Uttar Pradesh. 

  7. The Sahibi River, also known as the Sabi River, originates from the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan and flows through the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River near Saharanpur. 


Key Tourist Attractions and Spiritual Places located around the Yamuna River

  1. Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary: A popular ecotourism site for birdwatching and nature photography, this place is situated at the confluence of the Asan River with the Yamuna.  

  2. Taj Mahal: One of the most iconic monuments in the world, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal draws millions of tourists annually.

  3. Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex: Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, this temple complex in Mathura is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Garbha Griha is said to be the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. 

  4. Kesi Ghat: Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura, Kesi Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat mentioned in Hindu scriptures. 


Keshi Ghat On Yamuna River Mathura

  1. Shree Dwarikadhish Temple: Revered temple in Mathura devoted to Krishna in his Dwarkanath or Dwarkadhish form and Radharani. 

  2. Vrindavan Temples: Vrindavan is where Lord Krishna spent most of his childhood. This place is home to numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Some prominent temples include the Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple (Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple), and Prem Mandir. A famous Shiv temple here is the Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple. 

  3. Sangam, Prayagraj: The confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, known as Sangam, is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, a massive religious gathering, every twelve years.

  4. Agra Fort: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, the Agra Fort is a magnificent Mughal fortress. 

  5. Red Fort: Also known as Lal Qila, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historic fortress located in Old Delhi. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638, it is famous for its distinctive red sandstone walls and impressive architecture. 

  6. Raj Ghat: This is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, located on the western bank of the Yamuna River in Delhi. It marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948. 

  7. Humayun’s Tomb: This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Delhi, by the banks of the Yamuna. Built in the 16th century, it is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. 

  8. Ranthambore National Park: On the banks of the River Chambal, this renowned national park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. 

  9. Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this famous fort is built in Rajput and Mughal styles. Close to the River Chambal. 


Origin Story of Yamuna River

In Hinduism, the Yamuna River is revered as the goddess Yamuna. In Puranic literature, the Yamuna River is depicted as the daughter of the sun god Surya (called Vivaswat in Rig Veda) and his wife Saranyu (or Sanjna), the goddess of clouds, and daughter of the divine architect, Vishwakarma. She is also known as Yami, the twin sister of Yama, the god of death. Other names for Devi Yamuna are Suryatanaya, Suryaja, and Ravinandini. She is also referred to as the daughter of Yama in Shrimad Bhagvata Purana. 


In tales of Krishna, the Yamuna River plays an important role. When Vasudeva was carrying the infant Krishna to Nandagopa’s house, a stormy and flooding Yamuna seemed impossible to cross. But as Lord Krishna’s feet touched the water, the river parted to allow them to pass. Krishna grew up close to the river, bathing in the river and playing on its banks. Thus, in many legends, Yamuna is considered as Lord Krishna’s wife. 


Another name for the Yamuna is Kalindi, which is said to derive from the time when the serpent Kalia turned the water of Yamuna dark with his poison and Lord Krishna slayed him. Another explanation is that it originates from the Kalind mountain. 


Among the tributaries of the Yamuna, the Chambal River finds important mention in ancient texts and the epic Mahabharata, by the name of Charmanvati. It is said that King Rantideva killed thousands of animals, and their blood formed the River Chambal. Some also say that the sacrifice of animals by King Rantideva led the region to become barren. Legends say that the dice game between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was played on the banks of the Chambal. Draupadi had cursed the river, saying that anyone who drinks water from the Chambal will be cursed with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance. 


Key Cities located on the bank of the Yamuna River

  1. Delhi: The national capital of India, Delhi, is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. 

  2. Agra: The home of the iconic Taj Mahal, and a famous tourist destination. 

  3. Mathura: The birthplace of Lord Krishna, renowned for its temples and vibrant festivities Holi and Janmashtami.

  4. Vrindavan: A major pilgrimage destination associated with Lord Krishna

  5. Prayagraj: Situated at the confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It hosts the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, every twelve years.

  6. Kota: Located on the banks of the Chambal River, this city with historical monuments is also famous for educational industry, power stations, high quality coloured limestone, and Kota Doriya fabric and sarees. 


Chambal River Front
  1. Dholpur: Famous for red sandstone which has been used in historical forts in Agra and Delhi. This city is situated on the banks of the Chambal.


Click below to learn about the major rivers of India



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