Jahnu

Jahnu is a male given name of Indian origin. In Hindu mythology, Jahnu is the name of a revered sage who appears in various Puranas and epics. He is most commonly associated with the myth surrounding the river goddess Ganga; in some texts, the river is described as Jahnavi, meaning “the daughter of Jahnu,” reflecting a mythic link between the sage and the Ganga.

The stories about Jahnu vary by source, but they typically present him as a powerful ascetic whose interactions with the Ganga illustrate themes of ritual power, restraint, and the relationship between sages and natural forces. In these narratives, the descent of the Ganga to the earthly realm is framed within the context of Jahnu’s hermitage and the broader cosmological order. The association with Ganga has led to the name Jahnu being connected to notions of purity, austerity, and sacred geography in some Hindu traditions.

Beyond mythology, Jahnu is used as a given name in contemporary India and among communities influenced by Hindu culture. It appears in literary and religious contexts as a historical or legendary reference as well as a personal name. The name Jahnu carries cultural resonance in regions where related myths are part of classical literature and ritual storytelling.