The seven holy rivers in Hinduism are:
- Ganga
- Yamuna
- Saraswati
- Godavari
- Narmada
- Sindhu and
- Kaveri
Taking a holy dip in the above said rivers is considered highly meritorious. The ash after cremation is immersed in the above said rivers so that the person attains moksha or liberation.
People find relief to incurable diseases after taking bath in these rivers.
Another popular belief is that taking bath in these rivers will help in sin redemption. Sins of this birth and of all previous births will be washed away by taking bath in these rivers.
Each of these rivers has its own unique significance and legends associated with it.
1. Ganga (Ganges)
The Ganga, often referred to as the holiest of all rivers, is personified as the goddess Ganga. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, it flows through India and Bangladesh. Bathing in the Ganga is believed to purify one’s soul, washing away sins and leading to moksha (liberation). The river is a central part of various Hindu rituals, including the immersion of ashes after cremation.
2. Yamuna
The Yamuna River, associated with the goddess Yamuna, is another sacred river in Hinduism. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas and merges with the Ganga at the Triveni Sangam in Allahabad, a site of immense religious significance. It is believed that bathing in the Yamuna cleanses one of the sins and helps attain spiritual merit.
3. Saraswati
The Saraswati River is often considered a mystical river in Hinduism. Although its physical existence is debated, it is mentioned in ancient texts like the Rigveda. The Saraswati is associated with knowledge, learning, and wisdom, represented by the goddess Saraswati. Pilgrims believe that its waters possess healing properties and can cleanse one of sins.
4. Godavari
Known as the Dakshin Ganga or "Ganges of the South," the Godavari River is the second-longest river in India. It originates in the Western Ghats and flows eastward across the Deccan Plateau. The river is particularly significant during the Kumbh Mela held at Nashik, where millions of devotees gather to take a holy dip, seeking spiritual purification and redemption from sins.
5. Narmada
The Narmada River, often referred to as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, is considered particularly sacred. It originates from the Amarkantak Plateau and flows westwards into the Arabian Sea. Pilgrims believe that simply viewing the Narmada is as purifying as bathing in the Ganga. A unique aspect of Narmada worship is the Parikrama, where devotees walk along the river's banks, completing a full circumambulation.
6. Sindhu (Indus)
The Sindhu River, known as the Indus in the Western world, is one of the longest rivers in the world, flowing through China (Tibet), India, and Pakistan. It holds a venerable place in Hindu history and is associated with the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The Sindhu is regarded as a symbol of unity and strength, and its waters are believed to be purifying.
7. Kaveri (Cauvery)
The Kaveri River, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, is often called the Ganges of the South. It is worshipped as a goddess and plays a crucial role in the agrarian and spiritual life of the region. Bathing in the Kaveri, particularly during the Kaveri Pushkaram, is considered highly meritorious, bringing blessings and absolution of sins.
Significance of Bathing in the Seven Rivers
Spiritual Cleansing and Moksha: Bathing in these holy rivers is believed to cleanse the soul of sins accumulated over this and previous lives. This act of purification is thought to pave the way for moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Immersion of Ashes: The practice of immersing the ashes of the deceased in these rivers is a common and significant ritual in Hinduism. This is believed to grant the departed soul peace and liberation.
Healing Powers: Many devotees believe that the waters of these sacred rivers have healing properties, capable of curing various ailments and diseases. This belief draws thousands of pilgrims seeking relief from physical and spiritual suffering.
Sin Redemption: Another popular belief is that taking a dip in these rivers can lead to the redemption of sins. It is thought that the sins of the current and previous lives are washed away, granting the devotee a fresh start.
Cultural and Religious Festivals
Several major Hindu festivals and fairs are centered around these rivers, attracting millions of pilgrims:
- Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years at four riverbank pilgrimage sites (Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik), this festival sees the largest human gatherings, with millions taking a holy dip in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari rivers.
- Ganga Dussehra: Celebrated to mark the descent of the Ganga to earth, devotees take ritual baths in the river.
- Pushkaram: This festival, specific to each river, occurs once every 12 years for the Godavari, Narmada, and Kaveri rivers, drawing large crowds seeking spiritual merit.
The reverence for these seven holy rivers is deeply embedded in the Hindu way of life, symbolizing the intrinsic connection between nature, spirituality, and the divine.