Rivers are considered sacred in Hinduism and are core of the faith. It is believed that one’s sins are washed away in the river as it is always flowing. The spiritual and practical significances are many. Many rivers are personified as Goddesses. Therefore, bathing in them is considered to be cleansed of one’s sins. The water of the rivers is used in rituals, and it represents the concept of purity and cleanliness.
There are seven rivers considered sacred, and they are called the Saptanadi. They are Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu/Indus, and Kaveri.
Ganga is considered the holiest river and is connected to Shiva. Shiva is the destroyer and regenerator. It is believed that Ganga Jal (water) has healing properties, and the water has no bacteria or germs in it.
Yamuna became a river after she cried uncontrollably for her brother Yama. She is also believed to be a consort of Krishna.
Saraswati is one of the oldest rivers, but it does not exist today. It is said that it flows underground and meets the Ganga Yamuna at the confluence point (Triveni) in Prayagraj. This is also called the Sangam, and one can see the merging of the Ganga and Yamuna clearly, the brown and the green.
Narmada runs from east to west and one of the most famous Shiva temples is on its banks. It is also said that it descended straight from the sky upon the orders of Shiva. It is believed that just the sight of this river can purify one’s soul.
Kaveri is one of the most sacred rivers of South India. It has inspired poets and artists.
The Indus runs through northwest India and flows through Pakistan. It is also called the father of the rivers.
Godavari is originated near Trimbakeshwara in Nashik, and it flows into the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that it originated from the bathing water of Brahma.
Dear ones, the sacred rivers are akin to our nadis.
Aim Hrim Klim
Picture (confluence of Bhavani and Kaveri) by: This media file was uploaded as a part of the TamilWiki Media Contest. – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0