Yamuna Aarti

Yamuna Aarti

The Yamuna Aarti is a deeply revered Hindu ritual performed to honor the Yamuna River, considered a goddess in Hinduism. This ceremonial worship, characterized by the offering of light, devotional hymns, and prayers, is a spiritual expression of gratitude and reverence for the river’s sanctity, purity, and life-giving qualities. The Yamuna, one of India’s most sacred rivers, holds immense cultural, religious, and historical significance, particularly in the regions of Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi, and Prayagraj.

Yamuna Aarti

Jai Jai Shri Yamuna, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna,
Jotaa Janam Sudhaaryo,
Dhanya Dhanya Shri Yamuna, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Shamaladi Surat Ma Murat Madhuri, Ma Murat Madhuri,
Prem Sahit Patrani,
Parakrame Pura, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Gahevar Van Chalya Ma Gambhire Gherya, Ma Gambhire Gherya,
Chundadiye Chatkana
Paherya Ne Laherya, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Bhuj Kankan Ruda Ma Gujariya Chudi, Ma Gujariya Chudi,
Baju Bandh Ne Berkha,
Pahonchi Ratna Jadi, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Jhaanjhar Ne Jhamke Ma Vichhiyane Thamke, Ma Vichhiyane Thamke
Nepoor Ne Naade Ma,
Ghugari Ne Ghamke, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Sone Shangaar Sajyaa Ma Nakvesar Moti, Ma Nakvesar Moti
Aabhushanma Opo,
Darpan Mukh Jotaa, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Tat Antar Runaa Ma Shobhit Jal Bhariya, Ma Shobhit Jal Bhariya
Manvanchhit Murlidhar,
Sundar Var Variya, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Laal Kamal Lapatya Ma Jovane Gyata, Ma Jovane Gyata,
Kahe Madhav Parikrama,
Vraj Ni Karavane Gyata, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Shri Yamunaji Ni Aarti, Vishraam Ghate Thaay, Ma Vishraam Ghate Thaay
Tetris Karod Devata,
Ma Darshan Karva Jaay, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna

Shri Yamunaji Ni Aarti Je Koi Gashe, Ma Je Bhave Gashe,
Tena Janam Janamna Sankat,
Sarve Dur Thashe, Teno Vraj Ma Vaas Thashe

Jai Jai Shri Yamuna, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna,
Jotaa Janam Sudhaaryo,
Dhanya Dhanya Shri Yamuna, Maa Jai Jai Shri Yamuna 

Origins and Mythological Significance

The Yamuna River, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, is the second-largest tributary of the Ganges and stretches 1,376 kilometers, merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. In Hindu mythology, the Yamuna is personified as Goddess Yamuna, also known as Yami, the daughter of the Sun God Surya and sister of Yama, the God of Death. According to legend, bathing in the Yamuna’s sacred waters cleanses sins and liberates one from the fear of death. The river is also intricately linked to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have performed many of his divine pastimes along its banks, including subduing the serpent Kaliya, which purified the river’s waters.

The Yamuna Aarti draws inspiration from the Ganga Aarti, a similar ritual performed for the Ganges River in Varanasi and Haridwar. While the Ganga Aarti is more widely recognized, the Yamuna Aarti has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Delhi, as a way to honor the river’s spiritual and ecological importance. The ritual is especially significant during festivals like Bhai Dooj, when devotees perform the Aarti to seek blessings from Yamuna and Krishna, and Kartik Purnima, when the river’s worship is believed to yield immense spiritual merit.

Key Locations for Yamuna Aarti

The Yamuna Aarti is performed at several prominent ghats across India, with Mathura, Vrindavan, and Delhi being the most notable locations. Each site offers a unique spiritual experience, enriched by the river’s historical and cultural significance.

1. Vishram Ghat, Mathura:
   • The most iconic location for Yamuna Aarti, Vishram Ghat is where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after defeating the demon Kansa. The evening Aarti here attracts large crowds, with priests performing the ritual amidst the glow of hundreds of lamps. The ghat’s serene ambiance and Krishna-centric devotion make it a spiritual hub.
   • Timing: Morning (6:00 AM summer, 6:30 AM winter); Evening (6:30 PM summer, 5:30 PM winter).
2. Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan:
   • Known for its association with Krishna’s defeat of the demon Keshi, Keshi Ghat hosts a mesmerizing Aarti that celebrates Yamuna’s role in Krishna’s divine pastimes. The evening ceremony, with its reflection of lamps on the river, is particularly enchanting.
   • Timing: Similar to Vishram Ghat, with evening Aarti being the highlight.
3. Vasudev Ghat, Delhi:
   • A relatively new site for Yamuna Aarti, Vasudev Ghat near Kashmiri Gate was developed by the Delhi Development Authority and inaugurated on March 12, 2024. Inspired by Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti, the Aarti here is performed every Tuesday and Sunday, with plans for daily rituals in the future. The ghat’s Charbagh-style landscaping and modern amenities make it a growing tourist and spiritual destination.
   • Timing: Evening Aarti at 6:30 PM (Tuesdays and Sundays).
4. Kakrah Ghat, Prayagraj:
   • On occasions like Ram Navami, Yamuna Aarti is performed at Kakrah Ghat, organized by groups like the National Clean Ganga Mission. The ritual here emphasizes the river’s sanctity and its confluence with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam.
   • Timing: Varies by festival, typically evening.
5. Etmauddaula Park, Agra:
   • Since 2015, locals in Agra have organized daily Yamuna Aarti at Etmauddaula Park to raise awareness about the river’s pollution. This grassroots initiative, part of the “River Connect” campaign, combines devotion with environmental activism, drawing both devotees and conservationists.
   • Timing: Evening, around 6:00 PM.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

The Yamuna Aarti is more than a ritual; it is a profound act of devotion that underscores the river’s role in Hindu spirituality and culture. Its significance can be understood through several dimensions:

Community Bonding: The Aarti brings together devotees, priests, and locals, fostering a sense of shared spirituality and cultural heritage.

Symbol of Purity: The Yamuna is considered one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism, believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation. Bathing in its waters during the Aarti is seen as a purifying act.

Connection to Krishna: The river’s association with Lord Krishna, who is revered as Yamuna’s divine consort, makes the Aarti a way to connect with Krishna’s playful and divine leelas (pastimes).

Protection from Death: As the sister of Yama, Yamuna is believed to protect devotees from the fear of death. Performing or listening to the Aarti, especially on Bhai Dooj, is said to invoke her blessings for longevity and spiritual liberation.