| Char Dham Yatra – Heritage of Yamunotri, Day 9 |


Char Dham Yatra – Pilgrimage to the Himalayas

Day 9 – Heritage of Mother Yamuna

Yesterday we arrived at Yamunotri and had Darshan of her temple. We learnt of the daily prayers, rituals and tradition of the temple. Today we shall learn more about Mother Yamuna.

Sarvalokasya Janani Devi Tvam Papanashini I
Avahyami Yamune Tvam Shrikrishna Bhamini II

Yatra Snatva cha Peetva cha  Yamuna Tatra Nisrataa
Sarva Papa Vinirmuktah Punatyasaptamam Kulam II

Meaning: By bathing at and drinking from the point of origin of river Yamuna, a human being is freed of all sins and seven forthcoming generations too are purified!

                    Surya Putri Yamunaji

The literal meaning of Suryatanayaa is ‘Daughter of Surya (Sun God)’ : That is Yamuna. Yamunaji is the daughter of the Sun God. Yamuna, Yam, Shanidev and Vaivasvat Manu were born of Surya Dev and his two wives Sandhya and Chhaya. Thus, Yamuna is sister to Yamraj (God of Death) and Shani Dev (Saturn). For the ceremony of Bhaiyaduj celebrated annually between brother and sister, there is a very special significance attached to having the Darshan of Yamuna and a bath in Mathura. Yamuna, at the very first instance came to the Kalind Parvat (mountain) in water form. Therefore, she is also known by the name Kalindi. The Saptarishi Kund (tank) & Sapta Sarovar (lake) are located on top of Mount Kalind. Yamunotri Dham is a place that bestows all abilities and fulfillment. Kalindi Yamunaji is also one of the Dear Queens from amongst the 8 Queens of Lord Krishna. There exists an ancient temple of Yamuna ji’s brother Shani Dev, in Kharsali.

At Yamunotri, pilgrims are liberated from all their sins by the mere touch and vision of Surya Kund, the Divine Slab of stone & Vishnu Kund. Not only that, they attain the ultimate state, by doing thus. This pilgrimage center is in the western part of the Gahrwal Himalayas. The peak of Mt. Bandarpoonch is located at its head point, facing Gangotri. The original source of Yamunotri is a frozen lake & glacier called Champasar Glacier, which is located on Mt. Kalind. It is not possible to go within 1 km of this point of origin, because the path is extremely difficult and tricky. Owing to this, the Devi temple is also located at the bottom of the mountain. Water from the very narrow & thin stream of Yamuna ji is very cool. The sublime quality and purity of Yamuna Ji’s water is the reason for the unfathomable reverence and devotion that overflows from the hearts of her devotees. The hermitage of Asit Muni was also located at this spot only. Mother Yamuna mitigates the troubles and problems of all her devotees who come and bathe here in her cool waters. This temple and this place situated in the midst of the Himalayas is so very enchanting and beautiful. Every place has its own unique power, history and glory. We can sit at this place and listen to the sound of Omkar emanating from Yamuna Ji’s flowing waters. The eyes close by themselves when you go to such a pure and sacred place. Such is the Darshan and glory of Mother Yamuna!

It is time now for us to Hail Mother Yamuna with our spirited shouts of Jai, and begin our descent. We have been blessed to have had the Darshan of this sacred and ethereal, other worldly place. With time pemitting, let us begin to descend now. With plenty of pleasant and joyful memories that we carry with us and the bliss derived from the beautiful nature all around; with the clip-clop, clip-clop sound of the horses and pony hooves along the way, protecting ourselves from the fear of slipping and falling on the undulating roads marred by their hooves; holding on to the joy of Darshan in our hearts as we pass by small little streams all along the way; with a desire to have the Darshan of Mother Gangotri next, we arrive back into Janki Chatti, from where we began our trek on foot. Taking a break for some tea and refreshments followed by a night’s rest, we shall continue our journey tomorrow.

Yamunotri ki Jai!

(To be continued …)