The Yamuna River, one of the most significant rivers in India, is the largest tributary of the Ganges River. The river covers approximately 1,376 kilometers (855 miles) from its source to its confluence with the Ganges. Yamuna is highly venerated in Hinduism and Worshipped as the goddess Yamuna. In Hinduism, she is believed to be the daughter of Surya (the sun god) and the sister of Yama (the god of death) which is why she is also known as Yami. According to popular Hindu legends, bathing in the sacred waters of the Yamuna is said to free one from the torments of death.
Source of Yamuna:
The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Garhwal region of the lower Himalayas, in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The glacier is situated at an elevation of about 6,387 meters (20,955 feet). Near the source, the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, is an important pilgrimage site.
Course of Yamuna:
Uttarakhand: From Yamunotri, the river flows through the rugged terrains of Uttarakhand. It descends rapidly through the steep slopes of the Himalayas, gathering water from various small streams and tributaries.
Himachal Pradesh and Haryana: The Yamuna enters the plains as it moves through the Shivalik Hills and then flows along the border between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi: The river enters Delhi, where it takes a more southeasterly direction. Here, the Yamuna plays a critical role in the water supply for the capital city. This stretch is also where the river becomes heavily polluted due to urban runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage.
Uttar Pradesh: The Yamuna continues its journey through the agricultural heartland of Uttar Pradesh, passing cities like Noida, Mathura, and Agra. The river's fertile plains support extensive farming, particularly of crops like wheat, sugarcane, and rice.
Confluence of Yamuna:
The Yamuna culminates its journey at Prayagraj (Allahabad), where it meets the Ganges River at the Triveni Sangam. This confluence is also joined by the mythical Sarasvati River, creating a spiritually significant site in Hinduism. The Triveni Sangam is a major pilgrimage destination, especially during the Kumbh Mela, attracting millions of devotees who come to bathe in the sacred waters, believing it purifies the soul.
The Yamuna River has several important tributaries, which significantly contribute to its flow. These tributaries originate from different regions and join the Yamuna at various points along its course. Here's a detailed overview of the major tributaries of the Yamuna:
Tons River:
The Tons is the longest and biggest tributary of the Yamuna
Originates from the Bandarpunch massif in the western Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
It flows through the Garhwal region and meets the Yamuna near the town of Kalsi in Uttarakhand.
Hindon River:
Originates in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, from the Shivalik Range.
It flows through the districts of Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna near Noida.
Chambal River:
Also known as Charmanvati in ancient texts
Originates from the Janapav hills in the Vindhya Range, near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, before joining the Yamuna near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.
It supports hydro-power generation at Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam.
Sindh River:
Originates in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh.
It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Yamuna near Hamirpur in Uttar Pradesh.
One of the second largest right bank tributaries of Yamuna.
Flows generally in north-east direction.
Betwa River:
Originates in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh.
It joins Yamuna near Hamirpur.
It is also known for its historical significance, with the ancient town of Orchha located on its banks.
Major tributaries: Halali and Dhasan
Ken River:
It is an inter-state river (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)
Originates in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.
Joins Yamuna near Chilla village in Uttar Pradesh.
The Ken River is known for the Panna Tiger Reserve, which is located along its banks.
Giri River:
Originates from the Himalayas in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh.
It flows through the Shivalik Hills and joins the Yamuna near Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.
The Yamuna River, one of the most important rivers in northern India, flows through several key cities that are historically, culturally, and economically significant. Here's a detailed overview of the cities that lie on its banks:
Baghpat: Situated in Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Haryana.
Delhi: The national capital of India, located on the banks of the Yamuna. The river is also associated with many historical sites, including the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, which are located near its banks.
Noida: A planned city in Uttar Pradesh, part of the National Capital Region (NCR). Noida is a major hub for IT and business in northern India. The Yamuna Expressway, which runs parallel to the river, has further boosted Noida's connectivity and economic growth.
Mathura: Uttar Pradesh, Mathura is about 50 km north of Agra. Mathura is a sacred city in Hinduism, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The city attracts millions of pilgrims annually, especially during festivals like Janmashtami.
Agra: Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna, around 200 kilometers southeast of Delhi. Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna. The river adds to the scenic beauty of the Taj Mahal and other Mughal-era monuments in the city, such as the Agra Fort. Agra's history as a Mughal capital is closely tied to the Yamuna.
Firozabad: Uttar Pradesh, close to Agra. Firozabad is known as the "City of Bangles.”
Etawah: A city in Uttar Pradesh, located further downstream from Agra. Etawah has historical significance, especially during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Kalpi: Uttar Pradesh, on the southern bank of the Yamuna.
Hamirpur: Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Yamuna and Betwa rivers.
Prayagraj (Allahabad): Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges rivers. Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism.
Extra information about Yamuna River:
The Yamuna is considered a river of heaven.
The Rig Veda includes the Yamuna River as one of the seven sacred rivers, along with the Ganges.
Yamuna is also known as Kalindi.
Yamuna is one of the National Waterways of India, designated as NW110 in Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Yamuna has the following six functional barrages:
Dakpathar Barrage in Uttarakhand
Hathni Kund Barrage in Haryana
Wazirabad barrage in north Delhi
ITO barrage (Indra-Parstha barrage) in central Delhi
Okhla barrage is 22 km from Wazirabad to south Delhi
Gokul barrage (a.k.a. Mathura barrage) is at Gokul in Uttar Pradesh