Yamuna Ashtakam

मुरारिकायकालिमाललामवारिधारिणी
तृणीकृतत्रिविष्टपा त्रिलोकशोकहारिणी ।
मनोऽनुकूलकूलकुञ्जपुञ्जधूतदुर्मदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥१॥
ṃurāri-k͟hāya-k͟hālimā-l̤alāma-Vāri-ḍhārinnī
ṭrnnī-k͟hrta-ṭrivissttapā ṭri-l̤oka-ṣoka-ḥārinnī |
ṃano[ah-ā]nukūla-k͟hūla-k͟hun.ja-Pun.ja-ḍhūta-ḍurmadā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||1||
May Yamunā — who holds water painted by the dark-body of Murāri, who treats the three-worlds as a twig, who absolves the grief of the three-worlds, whose banks have groups of forests which please the mind, who is agitated by haughtiness, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
मलापहारिवारिपूरभूरिमण्डितामृता
भृशं प्रपातकप्रवञ्चनातिपण्डितानिशम् ।
सुनन्दनन्दनाङ्गसङ्गरागरञ्जिता हिता
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥२॥
ṃala-āpahāri-Vāri-Pūra-Bhūri-ṃannddita-āmrtā
Bhrśam Prapātaka-Pravan.cana-āti-Pannddita-āniśam |
Su-ṇanda-ṇandana-āngga-Sangga-ṟāga-ṟan.jitā ḥitā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||2||
May Yamunā — who is adorned by and full of gigantic whirl-pools which take away dirt, whose water is like nectar, who is agitated fiercely by gusts of wind, who is very wise, who is incessant, who is colored by the shade of togetherness with the son of Nanda (Kṛṣṇa), who is benevolent, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
लसत्तरङ्गसङ्गधूतभूतजातपातका
नवीनमाधुरीधुरीणभक्तिजातचातका ।
तटान्तवासदासहंससंसृता हि कामदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥३॥
l̤asat-ṭarangga-Sangga-ḍhūta-Bhūta-Jāta-Pātakā
ṇavīna-ṃādhurī-ḍhurīnna-Bhakti-Jāta-Cātakā |
ṭatta-ānta-Vāsa-ḍāsa-ḥamsa-Samsrtā ḥi k͟hāma-ḍā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||3||
May Yamunā — with whose shining wave-groups numerous fallen creatures purify, whose banks have various devotees (cātaka) lined up at the pleasant coast, whose coasts are surrounded by swan like devotees, who bestows desires, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
विहाररासखेदभेदधीरतीरमारुता
गता गिरामगोचरे यदीयनीरचारुता ।
प्रवाहसाहचर्यपूतमेदिनीनदीनदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥४॥
Vihāra-ṟāsa-k͟hheda-Bheda-ḍhīra-ṭīra-ṃārutā
ġatā ġirām-āgocare ẏadīya-ṇīra-Cārutā |
Pravāha-Sāhacarya-Pūta-ṃedinī-ṇadī-ṇadā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||4||
May Yamunā — whose banks have pleasant gushy wind to soothe those which are tired of sport, whose beautiful water is beyond the tongue or scope of sense-organs, whose tributaries and coast-soil gets purified by the friendship with Her waters, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
तरङ्गसङ्गसैकताञ्चितान्तरा सदासिता
शरन्निशाकरांशुमञ्जुमञ्जरीसभाजिता ।
भवार्चनाय चारुणाम्बुनाधुना विशारदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥५॥
ṭarangga-Sangga-Saikata-ān.cita-āntarā Sadā-Sitā
ṣaran-ṇiśā-k͟hara-āmśu-ṃan.ju-ṃan.jarī-Sabhājitā |
Bhava-ārcanāya Cārunna-āmbunā-ḍhunā Viśāradā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||5||
May Yamunā — who always appears white due to association of sand particles with Her waves, who is adored by the beautiful collection of cool moonlight-rays, whose vast and beautiful water is meant as an offering for the world, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
जलान्तकेलिकारिचारुराधिकाङ्गरागिणी
स्वभर्तुरन्यदुर्लभाङ्गसङ्गतांशभागिनी
स्वदत्तसुप्तसप्तसिन्धुभेदनातिकोविदा ।
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥६॥
Jala-ānta-k͟heli-k͟hāri-Cāru-ṟādhika-āngga-ṟāginnī
Sva-Bhartur-ānya-ḍurlabha-āngga-Sangga-ṭāmśa-Bhāginī
Sva-ḍatta-Supta-Sapta-Sindhu-Bhedana-āti-k͟hovidā |
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||6||
May Yamunā — whose water is mixed with the cosmetics of sporting Rādhikā, who enjoys the continuous touch of Her consort (Kṛṣṇa) which is a luxury for others, who is mighty enough to penetrate the serene seven oceans, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
जलच्युताच्युताङ्गरागलम्पटालिशालिनी
विलोलराधिकाकचान्तचम्पकालिमालिनी ।
सदावगाहनावतीर्णभर्तृभृत्यनारदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥७॥
Jala-Cyuta-ācyuta-āngga-ṟāga-l̤ampatta-āli-ṣālinī
Vilola-ṟādhikā-k͟haca-ānta-Campaka-āli-ṃālinī |
Sada-āvagāhana-āvatīrnna-Bhartr-Bhrtya-ṇāradā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||7||
May Yamunā — who is full of damsels using fallen cosmetics of Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa) in Her water, who has flowers from the braids of vibrant Rādhikā in Her water, who is always taken as support by Nārada and other devotees of Her consort (Kṛṣṇa), and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.
सदैव नन्दनन्दकेलिशालिकुञ्जमञ्जुला
तटोत्थफुल्लमल्लिकाकदम्बरेणुसूज्ज्वला
जलावगाहिनां नृणां भवाब्धिसिन्धुपारदा
धुनोतु मे मनोमलं कलिन्दनन्दिनी सदा ॥८॥
Sadai[ā-ĕ]va ṇanda-ṇanda-k͟heli-ṣāli-k͟hun.ja-ṃan.julā
ṭatto[a-ū]ttha-Phulla-ṃallikā-k͟hadamba-ṟennu-Su-ūjjvalā
Jala-āvagāhinām ṇrnnām Bhava-ābdhi-Sindhu-Pāradā
ḍhunotu ṃe ṃano-ṃalam k͟halinda-ṇandinī Sadā ||8||
May Yamunā — whose beautiful coast gardens are always full with sports of Kṛṣṇa (dear One of Nanda), who is bright due to fallen flowers of Kadamba and Mallikā trees on Her banks, who crushes the ocean of metempsychosis of those which take a bath in Her water, and who is the daughter of Kalinda — wash the malice of my mind.

Description

Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. In Yamunastakam’s first eight shlokas, Sri Adi Shankaracharya 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 she blesses even evil spirited people.

Yamuna Ashtakam

Yamuna Ashtakam is a sacred hymn dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the divine river worshipped in Hindu tradition for purity, devotion, and spiritual blessings. Devotees recite Yamuna Ashtakam to seek peace, prosperity, and liberation from negative energies. The hymn beautifully praises the holiness of River Yamuna and describes her connection with Lord Krishna, whose childhood memories are deeply linked with the sacred banks of this river. In Indian spirituality, Yamuna is not only considered a river but also a compassionate mother who grants spiritual upliftment to her devotees. Many followers of Devotional india recite these verses during morning prayers and religious occasions to feel divine positivity in their lives.

The verses of Yamuna Ashtakam are filled with devotion and poetic beauty. Each stanza glorifies the sacred waters of Yamuna and explains how sincere worship can purify the mind and soul. The chanting of Yamuna Ashtakam is believed to remove obstacles, reduce stress, and bring inner calmness. Devotees visiting Mathura and Vrindavan often sing this hymn while offering prayers near the riverbanks. In the traditions of Devotional india, the spiritual significance of River Yamuna has remained strong for centuries because of her close association with Lord Krishna’s divine leelas.

Many spiritual seekers believe that regular recitation of Yamuna Ashtakam strengthens faith and creates a positive atmosphere at home. The soothing rhythm of the hymn helps people focus during meditation and devotional practices. Religious scholars explain that the sacred vibrations of Yamuna Ashtakam inspire purity of thoughts and encourage devotees to walk on the path of righteousness. Families involved in Devotional india traditions often teach this sacred prayer to younger generations so they can remain connected to spiritual values and ancient culture.

The importance of Yamuna Ashtakam is also seen during festivals and special pujas dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees gather in temples and sing the hymn together with deep faith and devotion. The spiritual energy created during such gatherings fills the surroundings with peace and happiness. Listening to or chanting Yamuna Ashtakam is considered highly auspicious, especially during Yamuna Jayanti and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. Across different parts of Devotional india, this hymn continues to inspire millions who seek divine blessings and emotional strength through prayer.

Another beautiful aspect of Yamuna Ashtakam is its ability to create emotional and spiritual connection with divine consciousness. The sacred words remind devotees about humility, surrender, and devotion toward God. People facing challenges in life often turn toward Yamuna Ashtakam to find comfort and hope. The hymn encourages devotees to keep faith during difficult times and trust the grace of Goddess Yamuna. Spiritual teachers also mention that chanting Yamuna Ashtakam with sincerity can bring mental clarity and inner happiness.

In today’s fast-moving world, many devotees still find peace through the recitation of Yamuna Ashtakam. The timeless message of devotion and purity continues to inspire spiritual seekers of all ages. Whether recited in temples, homes, or during meditation, Yamuna Ashtakam holds a special place in Hindu devotional traditions and remains an important part of India’s rich spiritual heritage.

-Narmada Ashtakam