Yamuna Chalisa
यमुना चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Maa Yamuna — daughter of Surya Bhagavan, sister of Yama (the lord of death) and Shani, beloved sakhi of Lord Krishna who sported on her banks at Vrindavan. The Pushtimarg tradition founded by Shri Vallabhacharya places Yamuna at the heart of bhakti — her dark waters mirror Krishna's syamala form.
Significance
Bathing in Yamuna on her sister-day to Yama frees one from Yama-yatana (the torments after death) per the bond she extracted from her brother. Her chalisa is recited daily at Vishram Ghat Mathura (where Krishna rested after slaying Kamsa) and at the 24 ghats of Vrindavan. Pushtimarg vaishnavas consider Yamuna-snan more precious than Ganga because she carries the very essence of Krishna's lila.
When recited: Yamuna Chhath (Chaitra Shukla Shashthi), Yamuna Jayanti, daily bath at Vishram Ghat Mathura, Janmashtami midnight at Yamuna banks
Benefits
- Freedom from fear of Yama and post-death torments (per Yama-Yamuna bond)
- Sweetening of the heart for Krishna bhakti and Braj-prema
- Cooling of pitta and emotional fevers
- Removal of Shani-related afflictions (her brother)
- Pacification of difficult relationships (sibling bond model)
- Direct admission into Krishna's nitya-lila for Pushtimarg devotees
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Yamuna Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय जय यमुना महारानी। श्रीकृष्ण की प्यारी रानी॥
सूर्य पुत्री यम की बहना। शनि की भगिनी पतित उद्धरना॥
श्याम वर्ण जल अति निर्मल। ब्रज मंडल में बहती चंचल॥
विश्राम घाट तीर्थ पुनीता। कालिंदी जल अति शुभ शीता॥
वृंदावन के निकट विराजी। कान्हा संग जल क्रीड़ा साजी॥
यम द्वितीया तुम स्नान कराओ। भाई बहन का प्रेम बढ़ाओ॥
Meaning
Victory, victory to Yamuna Maharani, beloved queen of Sri Krishna. Daughter of Surya, sister of Yama, sister of Shani, uplifter of the fallen. Your waters are dark-hued and supremely pristine, flowing playfully through the Braj mandala. Vishram Ghat is your sacred pilgrimage spot, your Kalindi waters supremely auspicious and cool. You repose near Vrindavan, where you arranged water-sports with Kanha (Krishna). On Yama Dwitiya you offer the sacred bath that increases the love between brother and sister. Devotees who recite this chalisa at your banks — especially on the day after Diwali when sisters tie rakhi to brothers — receive freedom from Yama's rod and direct entry into the eternal love-play (nitya-lila) of your beloved Krishna, the dark youth who first composed his flute-melodies upon your shores.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: