The second of the five great rivers of Jambudīpa, which are often used in similes. Vin.ii.237; A.iv.101, 198, 202; v.22; S.ii.135; v.401, etc; Ud.v.5; Mil.114 (where ten rivers are mentioned); Mtu.iii.203, 363.

On its banks were Kosambī and Madhurā. For its origin see Gaṅgā. It is stated in the story of Bākula (ThagA.i.344) that newly born children were bathed in the waters of the Yamunā for their health. The river was evidently the special resort of the Nāgā (See, e.g., D.ii.259; J.vi.158, 161 ff., 164, 197).

It is said that the fish of the Yamunā considered themselves more beautiful than those of the Gaṅgā. J.ii.151 ff. under the river was the realm of the Nāga king, Dhataraṭṭha (J.vi.200). The waters of the Gaṅgā mix very easily with those of the Yamunā (J.v.496; vi. 412, 415).