In the 16th century Sanskrit hymn, Yamunashtakam, a verse by the philosopher Vallabhacharya describes the descent of Yamuna from her origins in Yamunotri to meet her beloved Krishna and to purify the world. The hymn praises Yamuna for being the source of all spiritual abilities. It is Yamuna who, being the holder of infinite love and compassion, can grant us freedom from even death, the realm of her elder brother Yama. The question is: Who is going to help Yamuna herself from certain death? The first thing that strikes you about the. . .