Meaning of Shree Yamunastakam

Shri Yamuna is the fourth element of Shrinathji. Shri Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (Sun) and sister of Yam. She is symbol of Mukti from the evils of Yam and light. Yamunaji is the “ISHT DEVI” of Pushtimarg.

Her another name is Kalindi also. She is also the daughter of Surya. She is the fourth patrani of Krishna but Yamunaji the daughter of Surya is beloved of Shri Krishna and not the wedded wife. She is the fourth Swamini.

Radha is the First beloved of Shri Krishna (Radha is the reverse of Dhara). Dhara takes away the being from Lord Shiva due to its TRIGUNATMA character. On the contrary Radha with the strength of Bhakti and Samarpan makes atma meet parmatma. Sacred beloved of Krishna is Gopanga. Third beloved of Krishna is Gopanga.

Third beloved of Krishna is “ Ananya Purva ” a daughter of Rishi who did Katyani Vrat.

Yamunaji had emerged from the heart of Surya Narayan and landed at Mount Kalindi. She had flown on the earth for the benefit of its disciples to have Bhakti Bhav.

Yamunaji is the melted form of Bhakti Rass liquified image. She has three images

Yamunaji the river in its Bhakti Swarup in the form of flow of water.

Religiously it is ultimate of Mahatma.

Mythologically she carries garland of lotus in her hands for Lord Krishna. Religious form of Yamunaji is visible to all. Mythological image can only be known through experience. Shri Vallabhacharya has described this Yamunastak.

Where there is Krishna there is Yamunaji. She is like Krishna. Krishna is black as is Yamunaji. Krishna is king of kings. So Yamunaji is Queen of Queens. This is the belief of Pushti marg. Krishna was born in Mathura on the bank of Yamuna. He performed his Bal-Leela in Gokul on the bank of Yamuna. He performed his Rasleela in Brindavan and killed kaliya. He used to play with Gopis in water. Yamunaji is very much loved by Krishna, hence she is beloved of Krishna. Krishna is Lord of Yamuna and Yamunaji is lordless of Krishna. That is why both are loved by Vaishnavs. Krishna is manmohan of Yamuna. Yamunaji has come to earth to be holy and sacred. She is sister of “Niyamak” who keeps account of human beings good and bad deeds. He who takes water of Yamuna becomes the son of Yamuna. How can the mother torture his child and hence he who takes bath in Yamuna should not be afraid of Yam.

Bhakti Bhavs image is the meaning of Yamuna. One who drinks Yamuna's water becomes firm devotee of Bhakti Bhav. He gets associated with God and thus what harm can Yam do?

Yamuna is the giver of “Ashta Siddhi”.

Yamuna makes a human being enable ............

To get Body to worship God.

To watch God’s action.

To feel God’s action.

To get Sarvatam Bhav Siddhi.

To remain and have God’s blessing even during bad days.

To get Divine Sight.

To feel the pleasure of God’s blessings.

To feel God’s presence even in bad time.

Shree Yamunashtakam

In V.S. 1549 (year 1493) at the age of 14 years, Shri Mahaprabhuji arrived in Gokul during his first global tour; he resided at Thakurani Ghat / Govind ghat on the bank of Yamuna river. At this time he formed Shri Yamunastakam which describes Shri Yamunaji’s divine description. In Yamunastakam’s first eight shloks, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes Shri Yamunaji’s eight fold powers, its divine & wonderful idol and her divine qualities. Shri Yamunaji is the daughter of divine Sun. Her purpose for coming to earth from heaven through Kalind mountain is to bless her devotees. Her physical state as a river is also very attractive and charming. She is so kind that even she blessed evil spirited people. Shri Yamunaji blessed her devotees with eight fold powers. If some evil person, drinks water from Yamuna river to quench thirst, she blessed that person as well. So, if we pray her, with knowledge and understanding, we should not be surprised if we also gets blessed. One of the examples from Shri Mahaprabhuju’s 84 Vaishnavas, is of Kishoribai. Kishoribai was chanting only two lines from Yamunastakam with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits.

********** Shlok 1 **********

Sanskrit Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda, Murari Padpankaj-Sfuradmand, Renoot-katam, Tatasth Nav Kanan, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, Suraa Sur suPoojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yam-bibhrateem

Gujarati

Shri krishna na charanarvind ni raj thaki shobhi rahya, siddhi alaukik aapnara vundu shri yamunajine, Supushpa ni suvas thi jungle badhu meheki rahyu ne mand shital pavan thi jal pan sugandhit thai rahyu, Puje surasur sneh thi vali sevata daivi jivo, Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

I (shri mahaprabhuji) bow (Namami) to Shri Yamunaji with my full love and devotion. She is capable of giving fulfillment of all the desires(Sakal Siddhi) of the devotee in enjoying God’s love. Shri Yamunaji is capable of giving all kind of achievements. This first shlok describes the physical state of the river. Its both banks are full of glittering sand which is believed to be as soft as lotus feet of Shri Murari Prabhu (Shri Krishna.) Also, there are various kind of EVERGREEN gardens of the both banks of the river. The river water is full of scent due to flowers of the garden. Shri Yamunaji is also worshipped by two kinds(Suraa -Sur)of vraj devotees.

********** Shlok 2 **********

Sanskrit Kalind Girimastake, Pata-d-mand Poorojjwalaa, Vilas Gamanollasat, Prakatgand Shailonnata, Sagosh-gantidantura, Samadhiroodh Dolottama, Mukund Rati Vardhinee, Jayati Padma Bandho Suta

Gujarati

Maa suryamandal chodine bahu veg thi aavi rahya, Tya kalindi na shikhar upar shobha ati sundar dise, Ae veg ma patthar ghana harkhaine uchali rahya ne aap pan ullas purvak uchalata shobhi rahya, Hari het na jula upar jane birajya aap ho, Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

In this shlok, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes that how Shri Yamunaji can bless her devotees to increase their love towards Shri Mukund Prabhu. Also, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the physical existence of Yamunaji as river. It flows enthusiastically (With speed and splendour Poorojjwalaa) from the top of Kalind mountain. The water appears to be as milk because of the force and twirls. It seems like Shri Yamunaji is very eager to go in Vraj and meet Shri Krishna. It also gives impression as Shri Yamunaji is swinging of (Dolottama) jhula. Shri Yamunaji is a daughter of Sun, who is the friend of lotus(Padma).

********** Shlok 3 **********

Sanskrit Bhuvam Bhuvan Pawaneem, Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi, Priyabhiriv Sevatam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi, Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka, Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krishna Turya Priyam.

Gujarati

Shuk mor saras hans aadi pakshi thi sevayela, gopijano ae sevya bhuvan svajan pavan rakhta Tarang rup shri hast ma reti rupi moti tana, kankan saras shobhi rahya shri krishna ne bahu priya je Nitamb rup shri tat tanu adbhut darshan thay jo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

Whenever Shri Yamunaji comes to earth from heaven, she blessed the Earth (Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem). All birds like Parrot, Peacock, Hansas (Swans) serves Shri Yamunaji. Shri Mahaprabhuji visualize glittering (sterling) sand as her bangle’s pearls (muktikavaluka) and waves of water as beautiful divine hands (Tarang Bhuj Kankana) of Shri Yamunaji. From the birds eye view, Shri Yamunaji appears as beautiful with both the banks with glamourous sand and river full of water. She is favorite fourth queen of Shri Krishna. And Shri Mahaprabhuji asks us to bow to her (Namat Krishna Turya Priyam).

********** Shlok 4 **********

Sanskrit Anant Gunbhusite, Shiva Viranchi Devastute, Ghanaghan Nibhe Sada, Dhruva Parasharaa Bhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gop-gopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah.

Gujarati

Anant gun thi shobhata stuti dev brahma shiv kare, ghanashyam jevu megh sam che swarup sundar aapnu Vishuddh mathura aapna sannidhya ma shobhi rahyu, sahu gop gopi vrund ne icchit fal aapi rahya Mam kod sau pura karo jyam dhruv parashar na karya Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

In this shlok, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the prayer to Shri Yamuna Maharani. O! Shri Yamunaji, you are having infinite divine qualities - countless virtues. Even, Gods like Shiv, Brahama praises you. You are capable of granting wishes to devotees like Dhruv and Parasher. There are holy pilgrim places like “Mathura” on your banks. You are always surrounded with gopi’s and gopijans and you are always protected by blessings of Shri Krishna. O! Shri Yamunaji, I wish that you give me such a blessing that it gives peace and happiness to my mind. Chanting this shlok with pure and honest heart gives tremendous mental peace and eternal happiness. (Kishori bai was chanting only two lines Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gopgopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah. with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits.)

********** Shlok 5 **********

Sanskrit Yaya Charan Padmajaa, Muraripoho Priyam Bhavuka, Samaagamanto Bhavet, Sakal Siddhida Sevatam, Taya Sadrushtamiyat, Kamalja Spatnee Vayat, Hari Priya Kalindaya, Mansi Me sada Stheeyatam.

Gujarati

Shri krishna na charano thaki shri jahnavi utpanna thaya, satsang pamya aapno ne siddhidayak thai gaya Evu mahatmya che aapnu sarakhamani koi shu kare, samakaksha ma aavi shake sagarsuta ek j khare Eva prabhu ne priya mara hradaya ma aavi vaso Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

Shri Gangaji evolved from the lotus feet of Shri Bhagavan. Shri Gangaji became holy and pious due to merging with Shri Yamunaji at Triveni Sangam. Shri Yamunaji made Shri Gangaji capable of giving all achievements Sakal Siddhi to the serving devotees. Only Shri Laxmiji is equal and comparable to Shri Yamu
naji-but on a lesser degree. I wish that this type of Shri Yamunaji, who can take all worries of her devotees and who is also favorite (Hari Priya) to Shri Krishna, come and stayput in my heart and soul forever.

********** Shlok 6 **********

Sanskrit Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panat-ha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryatha Gopikaha.

Gujarati

Adbhut charitrya che aapnu vandan karu hu prem thi, yamayatana aave nahi ma aapana payapan thi Kadi dushta hoiye toy pan santan chiye ame aapna, sparshe na amne koi bhaya chaya sada che aapni Gopi janone prabhu priya banya evi krupa bas rakhajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, I bow to you with my full body and heart. Your divine character is very wonderful. Just by drinking your water in Vraj, we do not have to worry about painful death. Your devotees can become favorite to Shri Krishna just like gopijanas who became favorite by doing “Katyani Vrat”. In winter (GOPMAS) Vrat means fasting.

********** Shlok 7 **********

Sanskrit Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatva Metavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaihi.

Gujarati

Shri krishna ne priya aap cho mamadeh sundar rakhajo, bhagavad lila ma thay priti sneh evo rakhjo Jyam aapna sansarg thi gangaji pushti ma vahya, mamadeha man shri krishna ne priya thay eva rakhajo Viraharti ma he mat mara hradaya ma birajajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, who is favorite of Shri Mukund Prabhu, I pray to you to give me divine bodyTanu Navatv which can be used in divine Leela of LORD and also to serve you. Only you are capable of doing so. With such a divine body, I can serve Shri Mukund Prabhu very well. Pushti Margiya vaishnavas -Divine souls (Jeevs) had never praised Shri Gangaji without your merging with Shri Gangaji.

********** Shlok 8 **********

Sanskrit Stutim Tava Karotikaha, Kamal Ja Sapatni Priye, Harer Yadanu Sevaya, Bhavati Saukhya Mamoxataha, Iyam Tav Kathadhika, Sakal Gopika Sangam Smar, Shram jaLunibhi, Sakalgatra Jaihi Sangamaha.

Gujarati

Hu aapani stuti shu karu mahatmya aparampar che, shri laxmi vishnu sevavathi mox no adhikar che Pan aani seva thaki adbhut jalkrida tana, jal na anu ni prapti thaye gopijano na sneha thi Ae sneh nu sukh divya che man maru ema sthapajo Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji, you are like Shri Laxmiji, who has good fortune. But no one is capable of praising you, because any one serving God first and then Shri Laxmiji gets all happiness after death also Mamoxataha. But the importance of Shri Yamunaji is the best. Here Shri Maha Prabhuji explains the exaltation of soul just by bathing in the waters of shri yamunaji which becomes pious daily by the “Ras-Lila of Lord with the vraj-bhakts”. By serving Shri Yamunaji we get blessing from her, which is helpful in exalting our soul and making pious. As we wash our body from outside to make it look pretty, we need to have blessings in form of Shri Yamunaji’s river water to wash our soul and body from within. Due to her blessings our mind and thoughts becomes favorable to serve Shri Krishna.

********** Shlok 9 **********

Sanskrit Tavashtak Midam Muda, Pathati Soorsootesada, Samasta Duritak Shayo, Bhavati Vai Mukunde Ratihi, Taya Sakal Siddhayo, Murari Puscha Santushyati, Swabhav Vijayo Bhavet, Vadati Vallabh Shree Harehe.

Gujarati

Koi sneha thi karashe sada aa path yamunashtaka tano, nishche prabhu ne priya thashe ne nash thashe pap no Siddhi sakala malashe ane shri krishna ma vadhashe priti, anand sagar umatashe ne svabhava pan jashe jiti Jagadish ne vahala amara vallabhadhish ucchare Vandan karu shri yamunajine shri krishna aashraya aapjo

Explanation

O! Shri Yamunaji! Whoever always sings these hymns of Shri Yamunastak with happiness-joy and pleasure, will get following fruits.

(1) Absolving one of all the worldly sins.

(2) The love for the lord increases manifold.

(3) All yours endeavours, worldly and spiritual, are completed succesfully.

(4) You become a worthy recepient of God’s grace-love.

(5) You emerge victorious over your nature. Sakal Siddhi (”ashta -eight” siddhis)

(1) Body to worship God.
(2) To watch God’s action.
(3) To feel God’s action.
(4) To get sarvatm Bhav siddhi.
(5) To remain and have God’s blessing even during difficult
days.
(6) To get divine sight (Darshan of lord).
(7) To feel the pleasure of God’s blessings (Krupa).
(8) To feel God’s presence in all situations.