Title: What do we get in mind if we say INDIA
1Water In Indian Culture
- What do we get in mind if we say INDIA?
2We get in mind
- We get in mind, a country, which has the second
largest population in the world and is a melting
pot of cultures with natures beauty everywhere
you look. Such a country, is our India. In such a
country, water is considered very important.
Water is used for our various everyday uses, but
in India, water is also considered sacred.
3Importance of water
- In the pre-historic times, when man evolved, he
settled down near sources of water. Only when he
settled there did he understand waters
importance. Life depends upon water. So it is
considered sacred. Cultural evolution is based on
water. All the ancient civilizations were formed
near rivers. Even the Indus valley civilization
in India is one such.
4In India
- In India, rivers are believed to be sacred and
are respected as goddesses. The God of water in
Hindu culture is known as Ganapati and those
who worship him are called GAANAPATYA
(Worshipper of Ganesh)
5Which are the most sacred rivers?
- Some examples The following rivers are
considered to be holy - Ganga (Ganges)
- Kaveri
- Narmada
- Yamuna
- Gandak
- Godavari
- Gomati and
- Saraswati (imaginary, believed to be running
under Gujarat) -
6Ganga
- River Ganga is the longest river in India. The
Ganges lies at a height of 13800 feet in the
mountain range of the Himalayas in the Tehri
Garhwal near Gangotri. The river Ganges is
considered as the holiest of all rivers in the
Bhagawad Gita. No other river has been more
mentioned in the Puranas as the Ganga.
According to the Puranas, the Ganges is
considered as the holiest of all shrines. Not
only man, but even the most mean creatures like
insects get liberated and achieve salvation. One
dip in the Ganga is said to free a man from all
sins.
7More on the Ganga
- The holy sight of the Ganges gives knowledge,
splendour, names, fame etc. Killing of a Brahmin
and/or a cow gets absolved by a mere touch of the
Ganges waters. The Ganga is a major river of the
Indian subcontinent, associated in myth and
reality with the land and people of India as well
as neighbouring countries like Bangladesh. The
people say that the Ganga purifies a man
immediately after taking bath in its waters.
8The story of origin of the Ganga
- The Ganga has an exalted position in the Hindu
ethos. It is repeatedly invoked in the Vedas, the
Puranas, and the two Indian epics, the Ramayana
and the Mahabharata. Ganga is a goddess, Ganga
devi, one of two daughters of Meru (the
Himalayas), the other being Uma, consort of
Shiva. In her youth, Indra had asked for Ganga to
be given to heaven to soothe the Gods with its
cool waters. The story of its descent to earth
appears in slightly different forms in Ramayana
(Bala Kanda Vishwamitra narrates it to the child
Rama), Mahabharata (Aranya Parba Agastya
narrates it to Rama), and in the Puranas. These
myths are variously dated between 2000 to 400 BC
9The story of origin of the Ganga
- The king Sagara had two wives. By a favour of the
lord Shiva, one wife bore him sixty thousand
sons, all of whom were to die simultaneously, and
the other bore him one son, Asamanjas, who would
continue the dynasty. The sixty thousand sons
grew to be great warriors, while the mighty
Asamanjas caused so much misery to the populace
that his father the king had to expel his own
son, though a grandson, Ansuman, was left behind.
King Sagara once performed the horse ceremony, in
which a horse is allowed to roam at will, and is
followed by warriors.
10The origin of the Ganga
- Stopping the horse is a challenge to war not
stopping it is a compact of obeisance. In this
instance, the sixty thousand sons were following
the horse, but surprisingly, the horse was lost.
After much recrimination, they dug up the entire
earth and the underworld, the oceans, searching
for the horse. Eventually it was found in a deep
cavern, loitering close to where the sage Kapila
sat in radiant meditation. The sons gathered the
horse but they disturbed the great Kapila
(Vasudeva), who was very annoyed, and instantly
burnt them to ash with his fiery gaze.
11The story of origin of the Ganga
- Sagara heard of this fate through Narada, the
heavenly wanderer, and sent the grandson Ansuman
to undo the harm. Ansuman descended to the
underworld and met Kapila, who was much pleased
with the youth's bearing and conversation. He
granted that the soulse of the sons of Sagara may
be released by the waters of Ganga, then resident
in heaven. Despite much austerity and prayer,
neither Sagara, nor Ansuman after him, nor his
son Dilipa, could get Ganga to appear on earth.
Finally it was Dilipa's son Bhagiratha, who after
severe austerities, propitiated the Goddess, and
she agreed to come down to earth. However, the
impact of her fall would be so severe, that it
could be borne by none less than Shiva himself.
12The story of origin of the Ganga
- Therefore Bhagiratha went into meditation again
and obtained Shiva's consent after many more
austerities. Finally, the river came down and
fell into Shiva's matted hair, and thence to
earth. This is the presumed site of the
present-day temple at Gangotri. Bhagiratha led
the way on horse back and the river followed. In
this manner they reached the spot where lay the
ashes of the six thousand sons. They were thus
liberated, and an ocean formed from the waters
there. This is the Sagar Island of today, where
the Ganges flows into the Bay of Bengal ("Sagara'
is also Sanskrit for ocean).
13More Legends on the Ganga
- Many other tales are associated with the Ganga
and points on it. Hari (Lord Vishnu) himself
bathed in its waters at Haridwar, which is so
holy that sins as great as the murder of Brahmins
may be washed away by bathing here. Hindus to
this day use the water of the Ganga to cleanse
any place or object for ritual purposes. Bathing
in the Ganga is still the lifelong ambition of
many of India's believing masses, and they will
congregate on its banks for the tremendously
overcrowded Sangam, Sagar Mela or Kumbh Mela
which are held on auspicious dates every few
years.
14More legends on the Ganga
- The Ganges has many names associated with its
many roles in Sanskrit mythology. Bhagiratha
himelf is the source of the name Bhagirathi (of
Bhagiratha), which is its initial stream, but is
also another name for the Hooghly. At one point,
Bhagiratha went too close to the sage Jahnu's
meditation site, and the disturbed hermit
immediately gulped up all the waters. Eventually,
after more persuasion from Bhagiratha, the sage
yielded the waters, but Ganges retained the name
"Jahnavi". Another explanation for the same name
is based on the word for knee in Sanskrit, Janu
(akin to genus in latin), the case form for
"born of" yield Jahnavi this is from a version
of the story in which the saint released it
through a slit at the knee.
15Properties of the Ganga Waters
- Water from the Ganga has the recursive property
that any water mixed with even the minutest
quantity of Ganga water becomes Ganga water, and
inherits its healing and other holy properties.
Also, despite its many impurities, Ganga water
does not rot or stink if stored for several days
(This is true, I think, though it may have
alternate explanations).
16A Quote on the Ganga
- The Ganga, especially, is the river of India,
beloved of her people, round which are
intertwined her memories, her hopes and fears,
her songs of triumph, her victories and her
defeats. She has been a symbol of India's
age-long culture and civilization, ever changing,
ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga. -
Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India,
born in Allahabad on the Ganges.
17Another legend of origin of the Ganga
- There are many versions of stories regarding the
origin of Ganges. According to the Valmiki
Ramayana Ganges was the daughter of Himalaya
and Maina. The deities abducted her and took
her to heaven. From that time onwards, Ganga
started living inside the Karmandala (a
spout shoped vessel). According to Kritivas
Ramayana the deities had taken Ganga to Lord
Shiva to get her married with him. When Maina
did not find her in the house, she cursed to
attain the form of water.
18Why the Ganga is called Jahnvi
- JANHVI Another name of the Ganga is Janhvi.
- Ganga followed Bhagiratha who was on his chariot.
Because of her tremendous speed, all the
villages, Forests, etc in the way were either
getting submerged or drowned. Sage Jahnu who was
doing a yagya in his hermitage got angry when his
hermitage was submerged in the Ganga. He drank
whole of the Ganga by his yogic power. At this
the deities, and the men became restless and they
requested Jahnu to release Ganga. Jahnu
released Ganga from his thigh by cutting it and
for this reason Ganga is also called 'Jahnavi' or
'Jahnusta'.
19What is the TRIVENI?
- The three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati
(now believed to be extinct), have a confluence
at Allahabad. This place is called as Triveni
The river passes the holy bathing sites at
Haridwar, Allahabad (where the Yamuna River
enters the Ganges), and Varanasi. Below Allahabad
the Ganges becomes a slow, meandering stream with
shifting channels.
20Yamuna
- The Yamunas confluence with the Ganges is
sacred to Hindus Allahabad is a major pilgrimage
center. Along the Yamunas banks are many
historic monuments, including the Taj Mahal at
Agra. Formerly an important trade artery, the
Yamuna is now the source of irrigation for Uttar
Pradesh and Punjab states. The East Yamuna, West
Yamuna, and Agra are the major canals on the
river.
21The Legendary Introduction to the Yamuna
- People say that the water of the Yamuna purifies
a man in seven days after bath in its waters.
Yamuna, the great among the greatest rivers is
also known as the Queen consort of Lord Shri
Krishna. Goloka the divine abode of the Lord is
the home of Yamuna. When the Lord dictated Yamuna
to descend on the earth, she first went round
Shri Krishna. Thereafter, with great force, she
descended on the peak of Sumeru Mountain. Her
journey began thence towards the southern side of
the great mountain chains. In the course of her
journey Yamuna crosses many lofty peaks.
22The story of origin of Yamuna
- Right among the peaks, the dark-complexioned
Yamuna parted with the fair-complexioned Ganga,
and reached a peak Kalind, to start her journey
downwards since Yamuna began her journey
downwards from the peak Kalind, hence she got an
epithet Kalindi. Crossing and piercing many peaks
and wetting expansive planes in the way, Yamuna
reached Khandav Vana, where the modern city of
Delhi stands.
23The story of origin of Yamuna
- Yamuna had longed to see almighty Lord Krishna as
her husband. Hence taking the guise of an
extremely pretty woman, she began severe penance
in Khandava Vana. Lord Surya, Yamunas father,
built an under water palace there for her to tale
rest. It is believed that she still resides
there. From Khandava Vana, Kalindi travel fast to
reach Vrindavana and Mathura in Vraja region.
24The story of origin of Yamuna
- In Gokul, the extremely pretty Yamuna
constituted a group of teenaged girls to
participate is Raas of Lord Krishna. She also
selected an abode there for permanent stay.
25The Story of origin of Yamuna
- From Vraj, Yamuna continues her journey due south
and south-east ward purifying many regions in the
way. She reached Prayag, the holiest among all
the holy places of pilgrimage. There she meets
again with Ganga. Both of them travel together
from Prayag onwards upto Ksheer Sagar.
26The story of origin of Yamuna
- Near the sea, with over whelming Yamuna says
Gangey, you are great that you originate right
from the feet of Lord Krishna. You are venerable
in all the three world. From here, I am ascending
again to reach the abode of Shri Hari. If you
wish, you may also accompany me.
27The story of origin of Yamuna
- Ganga says Yamuney you have the power of
sanctifying the whole universe. You originate
from the left part of Lord Krishna. You are an
embodiment of the supreme joy. You are the queen
consort of Lord Krishna, hence venerable in the
whole world. Your sight is rare, even to the
gods. I greet you. But I cant accompany you.
With Lord Krishna dictate, I now go to the Patal
Loka.Thus, both of them greeted each other and
went to their respective destinations. Yamuna
ascended in the form of jog like stream, on the
tops of the peaks. Thence, rising sky wards, she
reached to the heaven. From there she reached
Lords Krishna Goloka via Brahma Loka, her
original abode. - This is the story of the origin of the Yamuna.
28Kaveri
- Kaveri is predominantly the
river of southern apart of India, which is 475
miles long, originating from the hills of
Kurya, some 20 miles away from Arabian Sea. It
flows towards the south-east direction and passes
through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and ultimately
merges into the Bay of Bengal, after making a
delta at its mouth.An island named as Shiva
Samudram and situated approximately 35 miles
east of Mysore, divides its course into two
parts. This river is considered so sacred that it
is called the Ganga of the South.
29Legends about the Kaveri
- The Kaveri, Indias second most sacred river, is
sometimes called the Ganges of the South.
According to Hindu legend, Vishnumaya, daughter
of the god Brahma, was born on earth as the child
of a mortal, Kavera Muni. In order to bring
beatitude for Kavera Muni, she became a river
whose water would purify all sins.
30Legends about the Kaveri
- In India the river Kaveri has been famous since
times immemorial. It is believed to be an
omnipresent river. If a bath is taken on the
fourteenth day of the Paksha, falling on Tuesday
and having Vyatipat yoga, it gives immense
benefits. Those people who get killed by weapons,
can attain heaven, if Ekodisht Shradh is
performed at the banks of Kaveri and Seasame
seeds which is mixed with the water of Kaveri are
sprinkled in their names.
31Legends about the Kaveri
- South of Narmada, a sacred place known as
Kaveri Kund has been unearthed. By merely
taking a dip in its holy water,a man achieves
godliness. There is also a Siddh Linga called
Kundeshwar, which is worshipped by the deities
and the Siddhas alike. If any person worship this
linga even unknowingly, it gives immense
benefits.The benefits attained by taking a bath
in the holy water of Kaveri is simply
incomparable .
32Gandak
- This river originates from the Himalayas,
and while flowing in the southwest direction,
enters India. In Nepal this rivers is known as
Salgrami in Uttar Pradesh it is known as Sapta
Gandaki, and Narayani. Before reaching the
Mountain Triveni, an auxiliary river Trishul
Ganga merges with it. Altogether it covers a
distance of 192 miles and ultimately merges into
the Ganges near Patna.
33Gandak
- Since it gets water from the melting snow
perennially, it poses danger of floods to the
plains during the rainy season. Because of its
perennical flow it is also known as River Saata
Meera. - At the source of Gandak, Shaligram
stones are found which are considered as the
embodiment of Lord Vishnu, and worshipped
throughout India.
34Godavari
- The Godavari River is sacred to Hindus and has
several pilgrimage centers on its banks. Godavari
is a famous river of India. This river flows in
the southern part of India, starting from the
western ghats towards the eastern ghats. Godavari
originates from a large reservoir situated among
the hills at the back side of the village
Tryanibak in the Nasik district of Maharashtra.
35Godavari
- Before getting merged into the ocean, it travels
some 60 miles through the narrow and high walls
of the mountains. Ultimately it merges into the
Bay of Bengal, making a delta near Daulekharam
and getting subdivided into seven streams. Out of
these seven subdivided streams, Gautami and
Godavari are the main rivers.
36Religious Beliefs about Godavari
- From the religious point of view Godavari is
considered as one of the most sacred rivers of
India as she emancipates people of all the sins.
After every twelve years, Pushkaram fair is
organised at its banks, near Rajmundri Andhra
Pradesh. Performing of Tarpana (libation of
water to the deceased ancestors) liberates people
from all their sins, and they attain the
blessings equivalent to the donation of thousands
of cow.
37Gomati
- River Gomati is considered as the daughter
of Sage Vashistha. One can get emanipated of all
sins by taking a holy bath in her water. The
virtues attained by taking a bath in the holy
water of Gomati is equivalent to the bath taken
in the river in Kurukshetra, during solar eclipse.
38Legends about the Gomati
- The performance of tarpan of the deceased
ancestors gives liberation even to the souls
suffering in the hell or born as meanest of
creatures like insects.An offering of tarpana
made even without Akshat (rice grain) and Kusha
(grass), but with the holy waters of the Gomati,
liberates the souls of the dead ancestors, and is
equivalent to the Shraddh performed at Gaya.
River Gomati is considered as a supreme liberator
of all the sins.
39Geographical Position
- River Gomati flows in the state of Uttar
Pradesh in India. It originates from a small
reserviour named Gomat tal,which is situated
approximately 20 miles east of Pilibhit in
Uttar Pradesh. After covering a distance of 35
miles,river Joknai merges into it, after which it
becomes broader. Many other small rivers too
merges with it subsequently. Gomati,
finally merges into river Ganges, some 20 miles
north of Varanasi.
40Narmada
- In the present times, river Narmada has its
source in the mountain series of Maikal and it
submerge into the ocean at Bharonch. Narmada is
also known as Reva, Samodbhava and
Mekhalsuta. The sacred pilgrimage of
Kanyatirtha was also situated at its
bank. Narmada is the most important river
of Madhya-Pradesh and Western part of India.
41Legends about the Narmada
- There was a king called Pururva in the ancient
times. He was the descendant of the Chandravansh
(Moon). One day he asked his courtiers about the
means by which a man who attracted by sins could
attain heaven, without performing religious rites
like Yagya etc.The courtiers replied that only
river Narmada is capable of doing that. But, she
will first have to be brought down to the earth
from the heaven.
42Legends about the Narmada
- Pururva decided to bring Narmada to the
earth. He commenced a tremendous penance to
please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva after being
pleased, appeared before him, and asked him to
demand any boon.Pururva demanded river Narmada to
be sent down to the earth. Lord Shiva expressed
his inability, and asked him to demand anything
else, by saying that this demand is rare even for
the deities.But Pururva did not relent. Lord
Shiva then ordered to descend to the earth.
Narmada said that how could she descend to the
earth without any base.
43Legends about the Narmada
- After hearing this Lord Shiva called the eight
mountains and asked them as to who was capable of
giving a base to Narmada.The mountain Vinshya
said that his son Paryank is capable of
achieving this feat. But ultimately when Narmada
descended the whole earth including the
mountains, Forests etc was flooded with its
water. The deities requested Narmada to maintain
some discipline, which she did by controlling her
force.Pururva performed the tarpana of his dead
ancestors by the holy water of Narmada
consequently all of them achieved liberation.
44The Purification Strength of various rivers
- The water of river Saraswati purifies a
man in three days. Yamuna purifies a man in seven
days. The Ganges purifies a man instantly after
taking a bath. But the Narmada absolves a man of
all his sins, and makes him pure, by merely her
divine sight.
45Conclusion
- By all these examples, we know that Indian
culture is intricately dependent on water. - All of these show that water is given a very
important place in Indian culture and that water
is inseparable from it.
46By
S.Aishwarya VIII-A