13 YAMUNOTRI VALLEY Yanrnnotri shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,292 metres at a distance of 226 kilometres from Rishikesh. Yamunotri is famed as a source of Yamuna and also for its sulphur hot springs. The legend Surya, the God of light, once saw a beautiful maiden and fell for her. Surya was now in a predicament since he could neither stop his daily rounds nor forget the beautiful lady. He started languishing which was reflected in his change of character and behaviour. Obviously this affected the Gods in heaven and men on earth because it could ruin their lives. The Gods deput- ed Vayu, the ruler of winds, to investigate. Vayu found that Surya had fallen in love with Sanjaina, the daughter of Visva- karma, the architect. Gods approached Viswakarma and requested to consent for the arranged marriage to which Viswa- karma had no alternative but to accept. Surya and Sanjaina henceforward lived happily and soon Yamuna was born to them who is referred as Surya Kanya, the daughter of Surya or Surya Tanaya. Two sons, Yama and Dhaima Uog were also born from this marriage. With the passage of time when Sanjaina.