Introduction
Sage Narada, while
describing the greatness of holy places, emphasized the sanctity of Dharma
Tirth and the unparalleled virtue of bathing in the Yamuna River. These
sacred acts are said to liberate devotees from sins, fulfill desires, and grant
salvation across all ages.
Dharma Tirth
- Named after Dharmaraj (Yama),
the Lord of death.
- Dharmaraj performed austere penance
here, sanctifying the site.
- Visiting Dharma Tirth is believed to
liberate one’s ancestors up to seven generations.
- Nearby sacred forests include Kalap,
Saugandhik, and Suvarna Dhumavanti, each capable of granting
salvation.
Yamuna Snan: Beyond Time
and Yugas
Narada extolled the
virtues of bathing in the Yamuna:
- A dip in Yamuna liberates one from
sorrows and fulfills desires.
- Its merit surpasses pilgrimages to Pushkar,
Kurukshetra, Brahmavarta, and Kashi.
- Rituals vary by yuga—penance in Satya
Yuga, knowledge in Treta, yajna in Dwapara, and donation in Kali—but
Yamuna Snan transcends all ages.
- The stretch near Mathura holds
special importance due to its deep association with Lord Krishna.
The Tale of Hemakundal’s
Sons
Narada narrated a story
to illustrate Yamuna’s power:
- In Satya Yuga, a wealthy Vaishya
named Hemakundal had two sons, Srikundal and Vikundal.
- Both squandered their father’s wealth
and lived immoral lives, eventually starving to death.
- In Yamloka, Yamraj sent
Srikundal to hell but Vikundal to heaven.
- Vikundal questioned the difference,
as both had committed identical sins.
- The Yamadoot explained:
Vikundal had twice bathed in the Yamuna at Mathura with his Brahmin friend
Swamitra.
- The first bath liberated him from
sins.
- The second bath granted him heaven.
- Out of compassion, Vikundal donated
his virtues to his brother, enabling both to attain heaven.