Yamunotri Temple, Uttarkashi – Legends

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.