IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 25. YAMUNA

 

In Hindu stories, Yamuna is closely connected to Lord Krishna in many ways. She is known as Kalindi or Yami and is one of Krishna’s eight main wives, called the Ashtabharya. The Yamuna River also plays an important role in Krishna’s life from the very beginning.

When Krishna was born, his father, Vasudeva, had to carry him across the Yamuna River to save him from the evil king Kamsa. The river, which was flooding, became calm and allowed Vasudeva to pass safely. It is said that the river goddess Yamuna touched baby Krishna's feet, which made her waters pure and peaceful. This was the first time Yamuna saw Krishna; later in life, she married him.

Krishna also spent much of his childhood in Vrindavan, a village along the banks of the Yamuna. There, he played his flute and enjoyed happy times with his beloved Radha and the other gopis (cowherd girls).

Later, when Krishna visited the Pandava brothers at Indraprastha, he went hunting with Arjuna. After bathing in the Yamuna, they met Kalindi, a beautiful girl who was living in a house built by her father, the sun god Surya. She was performing penance, hoping to marry Lord Vishnu. When Krishna, who is an avatar of Vishnu, heard her wish, he agreed to marry her. Kalindi then traveled with Krishna to his kingdom, Dvaraka, where they were married. Together, they had many sons.

Through all these stories, the Yamuna symbolizes devotion, purity, and the deep bond between Krishna and his followers.

Here are the main Sanskrit sources from which the stories mentioned about Yamuna (Kalindi) and Krishna:

1. Bhagavata Purana (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam) - (Skandha) 10, Chapters 45 and 82

      Tām upāgamatāhūtāṃ kalindiṃ vāsudevaḥ svayam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa 10.45.48)

Story of Krishna and Kalindi: In Chapter 45, Krishna and Arjuna meet Kalindi on the banks of Yamuna while hunting. Kalindi expresses her desire to marry Vishnu. Krishna marries her after returning to Indraprastha and later takes her to Dvaraka.

Birth story and crossing of Yamuna: In Chapter 3 of Skandha 10, Vasudeva carries the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna river, which parts for him after Vasudeva prays.

2. Vishnu Purana (Viṣṇu Purāṇa) - Book 5, Chapter 6 -

Tato jalād varārohāṃ kalindīṃ kṛṣṇa īkṣitum | āgamya prārthayāmāsa..

Mentions Kalindi as one of Krishna’s wives, and describes how Krishna meets her, understands her devotion, and marries her.  Also talks about the sons born to Krishna and Kalindi.

3. Mahabharata (Mahābhārata) - Sabhā Parva (Book of the Assembly Hall), Section 14

Kalindiṃ nāma kālindīṃ sūryasya tanayām śubhām,  (Mahābhārata, Sabhā Parva 14.19)

When Krishna visits the Pandavas at Indraprastha, the meeting with Kalindi by the Yamuna river is described.

4. Harivamsa (Harivaṃśa Purāṇa) - Vishnu Parva, Chapters 87-88

A detailed elaboration on Krishna’s marriage to Kalindi.  Harivamsa is often considered a supplement to the Mahabharata, containing detailed stories of Krishna’s life.

  

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