The origins of the sacred Saraswati River are described in
the Rig Veda, Puranas and the Mahabharata. As per the Rig Veda, Saraswati River
has its origin in the Himalayas.
As per the Skanda Purana, Saraswati River is believed to
have originated from the Kamandalu, or water pot, of Brahma.
As per the Vamana Purana, the river originated from the root
of the peepal tree in Himalayas. This peepal tree is the eternal tree of life
whose roots are said to be in heaven.
As per Vedas, Saraswati River bestows bounty, fertility and
riches. The Vedic rituals were performed on the banks of Saraswati River as she
had purifying powers. She is also associated with medicine and healing.
Satapatha Brahmana invokes her to heal sickness and is referred to as a healing
medicine. In the Rig Veda, she and the Ashwins, twin gods often associated with
healing, are said to heal Indra(10.131). She is invoked to cleanse the disease.