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This is an another
Himalayan born river goddess of great antiquity coupled with unique sanctity.
Though her story is not so elaborate or fantastic, it is also associated with
divinities, and so has celestial flavor. Though she descends to this world at
some what higher altitude on the self-same Himalayas she hasn't many hurdles.
Nor is she brought down by penance by any king or sage, moreover, she joins
Ganga at Prayaga, and with that she vanishes with an abrupt end. In brief, holy
is the source, holier the course and the holiest is her abrupt disappearance
merging with other holy rivers.
In
the legends too, she plays comparatively a minor role. She is the daughter of
the Sun-God, born to Sanjana. And born along with Yama, the God of Death, and so
was called Yami. They are twins. Later she is called Yamuna. Yamunotri, the
birth place of Yamuna stands on the western side of the great peak of
Bandarpunch in Gharwal Himalayas. This is slightly higher in altitude of 3322
metres MSL, than Gangotri of 3140 metres MSL. It is snow-bound like the Gangotri,
and is separted from it by about 120 km distance off, but both are located
amidst highly enchanting snow-capped mountainous region.
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