Stories Of Narmada River In Hinduism
he Narmada River, also known as Rewa, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. It is one of the seven sacred rivers in Hindu tradition and is often referred to as the lifeline of Central India. The Narmada is revered as a goddess and has many legends and stories associated with it. Here are some of the most important stories, the river’s religious significance, and its current status:
1. Origin of the Narmada River
According to Hindu mythology, the Narmada River is believed to have originated from the body of Lord Shiva. One popular legend states that Lord Shiva was performing his cosmic dance (Tandava) and a drop of sweat from his forehead fell on the earth, which gave birth to the Narmada River. Because of this divine origin, the river is considered extremely holy.
2. The Story of Narmada and Shona
Another famous legend involves the love story between the Narmada River and the river Shona. Narmada was a beautiful princess who was pursued by many suitors. However, she fell in love with Shona, a handsome and valiant youth. But before their union could be consummated, Shona left her to attend a distant battle. Narmada waited for a long time, but when Shona didn’t return, she assumed he had forgotten her and turned away from him. As a result, the Narmada flows westward, away from the eastward-flowing Shona River.
3. The Narmada Parikrama
The Narmada Parikrama, or circumambulation of the Narmada River, is a deeply spiritual journey for many Hindus. Devotees undertake a pilgrimage along the banks of the river, covering a distance of about 2,600 kilometers. This journey is believed to cleanse the soul and bring immense spiritual merit. The tradition holds that performing the parikrama is equivalent to visiting all the holy places in India.
4. The Curse of Rishi Durvasa
According to another legend, the hot-tempered sage Durvasa cursed the Narmada River. It is said that when the river's water was drawn to serve Durvasa during his visit, the water became hot and disturbed the sage. Angered by this, he cursed that no one would bathe in the river. However, the river goddess, Narmada, prayed to Lord Shiva, who modified the curse so that the Narmada’s water would always remain pure and holy, capable of purifying devotees who take a dip in it.
5. Religious Significance and Rituals
The Narmada River is worshiped as a mother goddess, and it is believed that her waters have the power to cleanse sins. Unlike the Ganges, which is considered polluted in some parts, the Narmada is believed to be ever-pure. The Narmada stones, known as Banalingas, are found on the riverbed and are revered as sacred symbols of Lord Shiva. They are often worshiped in temples and homes.
6. Current Status of the Narmada River
In contemporary times, the Narmada River has been the subject of significant environmental and political attention. The construction of large dams, such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam, has led to controversies over displacement, environmental impact, and water rights. The Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement) led by activists like Medha Patkar has brought international attention to these issues.
The Narmada River continues to be a lifeline for millions of people, providing water for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use. However, like many rivers in India, it faces challenges such as pollution, over-extraction, and the impact of climate change.
The Narmada River is more than just a geographical feature in India; it is a symbol of spiritual purity, divine energy, and cultural heritage. The stories and legends associated with the Narmada underscore its importance in Hinduism, while the ongoing challenges highlight the need for sustainable management of this sacred river.