Question: Why are rivers considered so sacred in India? Why are rivers not kept clean in India despite they are so important in Hindu religion? Yogi Arwind: Rivers are really sacred in Indian culture. In fact rivers are respected and valued all over the world in all civilizations. When we say India, indirectly we refer to Vedic civilization or Hindu religion. Being one of the oldest civilizations, it has a very important place for rivers. You will find that major human habitats were settled on the banks of the rivers. All important ancient cities in India are on the banks of rivers. One of the reasons for this is, water being main source of life. Rigveda has a Nadi Sukta which is a praise of the rives. It has mention of about hundred rivers of which seven are more important - Sapta Sindhu. During the next phases of evolution of the civilization, wise ones incorporated importance of rivers in the form of Teerth Yatra. People started doing parikrama. Like Narmada Parikrama. The sages and Rishis of the Vedic Civilization attached more importance to the rivers as a leading example in ones spiritual journey. River represents the Sadhana- the spiritual practice. The continuation of Sadhana, the persistence of Sadhana, that aspect of Sadhana which teaches overcoming the obstacles, and that Sadhana which must culminate into the realization of the Truth like the river which ultimately meets the sea losing her own identity yet having her presence. Rivers are great teachers of Let go. When a rock tries to block her way, the river doesnt fight with it, she wets the rock with her love and continues her further journey. Just like you & me experience the energy of the same Sun that has given heat and light to Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Jesus, Prophet Muhammad similarly on the Earth, rivers represent that eternity. They have given life to millions of generations and will continue to give. Rivers give. They represent that abundant side of life whose main character is to give. And river teaches us to maintain the boundaries of life. In todays India, life is not led as per teachings of The Vedic Civilization. Various cultural influences over a period of time have changed the way Indians lead their life. In fact the economics is pulling and pushing the populations all over the world in different directions. India is not immune to it. In the process, that connect with the nature is lost and that sacred place in ones heart for the river is disappearing. Hence the rivers are becoming dirty. In old times, main activities of life used to happen near rivers. Masses used to bathe in rivers daily. Womenfolk used to wash clothes and utensils near the river. Religious ceremonies used to take place on the banks of the river. Since such connect with the rivers is not seen in todays world, people care less about rivers. But if its a divine wish, people will turn to rivers again. Rivers are eternally sacred. Lots of love. Shubham Bhavatu.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 11:32:43 +0000
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