YAMUNA RIVER Meaning and
Definition
-
The Yamuna River is one of the sacred and longest rivers in India, with a length of approximately 1,376 kilometers. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas, located in the Uttarakhand state. As a major tributary of the Ganges River, it flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and finally joins the Ganges at Allahabad (also known as Prayagraj). The river holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is considered one of the seven holy rivers in India.
The Yamuna River has a high cultural and environmental importance, serving as a major source of water for irrigation, transportation, and drinking purposes for millions of people in the regions it passes through. It plays a significant role in the agricultural productivity of the surrounding areas, supporting the growth of crops such as wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables.
Despite its religious and ecological importance, the Yamuna River faces significant challenges due to pollution and encroachment. Industrial and domestic waste discharge, as well as religious practices, have contributed to the degradation of its water quality, posing severe threats to both human health and the ecosystem. Multiple efforts and initiatives have been undertaken by the government and activists to revive and restore the river's health and maintain its ecological balance.
Etymology of YAMUNA RIVER
The word "Yamuna" is of Sanskrit origin and comes from the ancient Indian language, where it is known as "Yamunā". It is derived from the root word "yama", which means "to restrain" or "to curb". In Hindu mythology, Yamuna is also the name of a river goddess, often depicted as the sister of Yama, the god of death, and known for her purity and beauty. The river Yamuna holds immense cultural and religious significance in India, particularly as it flows through the holy city of Vrindavan and into the sacred river Ganges in Allahabad.
