Yamunotri Temple, Uttarkashi – Legends
Yamuna,
daughter of Surya:
Sangya is the birthplace of the Yamuna in the Champasar
Glacier (4,421 m) just below the Bander Poonch Mountain. The mountain adjacent
to the river source is dedicated to her father, and is called Kalind Parvat,
(Kalind being another name for the sun deity - Surya). Yamuna is known for her
frivolousness, a trait that she developed because, according to a common story,
Yamuna's mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband.
The venerated goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter
of Sun and twin sister of Yama (the god of death); in Vedas, Yamuna is called
Yami (lady of life). A bath in the sanctified waters of Yamuna is said to
cleanse all sins and protect from untimely or painful death. Such strong
associations in Hindu mythology place Yamuna Devi (goddess) in high ranks of
divinity.
Bandar
Poonch:
As per a legend, Lord Hanuman doused the fire of his
tail after burning Ravana’s Lanka in the chilly waters of Yamuna at Bander Poonch.
Hence, the peak is called as Bander (monkey) Poonch (tail) - monkey's tail.
Stream
of Ganges:
According to legend, sage Asit Muni had his hermitage
here. All his life, he bathed daily both in the Ganges and the Yamuna. Unable
to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite
Yamunotri for him.
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