The River Yamuna, also known as Jamuna, is one of the most
important and sacred rivers in India. Originating from the Himalayas, ths river
travels through several north Indian states before merging into another
Himalayan river. The river is revered for its cultural, religious, and
economical importance.
The Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri glacier in the Himalayas, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. This glacier is one of the major sources of the river, and it is fed by several other smaller streams along its course. The river flows through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas before entering the plains at Dak Pathar in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
As the river moves downstream, it passes through several states, including Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, where it is joined by several tributaries, including the Chambal, Betwa, and Ken rivers. The Yamuna then flows through the national capital of Delhi, where it is a major source of drinking water for the city. However, due to increasing pollution and industrialization, the river has become highly polluted, and steps are being taken to clean up its waters.
The river then flows through the state of Uttar Pradesh, where it is joined by several more tributaries, including the Hindon and the Sengar rivers. The Yamuna is also an important source of irrigation water for the farmers in the region, and several dams and canals have been built along its course to harness its waters for agricultural purposes.
The Yamuna river spans a length of approximately 1,376 km before finally merging with the River Ganges at Allahabad. The confluence of these two rivers is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, and it is known as the Sangam.
Apart from its ecological and economic importance, the River Yamuna is also of great cultural and religious significance. According to Hindu mythology, the river is considered to be the daughter of the Sun god, Surya, and the sister of the god of death, Yama. The river is worshipped as a goddess, and several temples and shrines have been built along its banks.
One of the most famous temples on the banks of the Yamuna is the Yamuna Temple in Yamunotri, which is one of the four holy shrines of the Char Dham Yatra. The river is also associated with the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, who is said to have spent his childhood on the banks of the Yamuna in the city of Mathura.
The River Yamuna is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The river is home to several species of fish, including the mahseer, catfish, and rohu, and several migratory birds, including the bar-headed goose and the common pochard, can be seen along its banks. However, due to pollution and habitat destruction, many of these species are now facing extinction.
The Yamuna river is also a major source of irrigation water
for the farmers in the region, and several dams and canals have been built
along its course to harness its waters for agricultural purposes. It also
serves as a vital source of drinking water for the cities and towns that it
passes through. In addition, the river provides employment opportunities for
those involved in fishing and boating.
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