Significance of Sacred river
The concept of a Sacred river in various cultural and religious contexts emphasizes the spiritual significance and purifying qualities of rivers in India, particularly the Ganga and Yamuna. Vastushastra highlights these rivers' roles in establishing towns and temples, while Vaishnavism regards them as sources of spiritual merit and purification. Additionally, the Ganges is depicted as a revered body of water across several traditions, symbolizing purity and integral to various rituals and pilgrimages, showcasing rivers as vital elements in spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Holy river, Divine river, Hallowed river
In Dutch: Heilige rivier; In Finnish: Pyh盲 joki; In Spanish: R铆o sagrado; In German: Heiliger Fluss
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred river'
In Buddhism, the Sacred River, particularly the Ganges, symbolizes spiritual cleansing. It's viewed as a holy site where devotees believe that bathing in its waters absolves them of sins, impurities, and shortcomings.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Ganges is considered a sacred river where people believe that bathing in it removes sins, stains, and faults.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred river'
In Hinduism, the term "Sacred river" signifies holy rivers, such as Ganga and Yamuna, known for their purifying qualities and spiritual importance, serving as sites for rituals, cleansing sins, and facilitating a divine connection.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rivers considered holy in religious texts and rituals.[2] (2) The Bhagirathi, where oblations of water were offered to Bhishma's spirit by his relatives and mourners.[3] (3) A river that is revered and holds spiritual significance, in this case, the Narmada.[4] (4) Rivers regarded as holy in ancient Indian tradition, associated with spiritual rites and blessings.[5] (5) Various rivers mentioned, which are revered as significant sites of pilgrimage and worship.[6]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A holy stream that the characters reflect upon while contemplating its divine origin during their journey.[7] (2) Refers to the Ganges, respected as a holy waterway where rituals and offerings are made.[8] (3) The Kaushiki river, formed from Satyavati after her death, known for its beauty and the merit it confers on men.[9] (4) River Mandakini, noted for its holy nature, where special rituals are performed for their father.[10] (5) The Ganges, described in a reverent manner as a three-branched river in sight of Rama and Sita.[11]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The Gautami, which was mentioned as a reference point for the cleansing and transformation of Ahalya.[12] (2) Rivers that are endowed with spiritual significance and associated with various deities in Hindu tradition.[13] (3) Rivers recognized for their holiness and are often associated with divine attributes, serving as holy centres.[14] (4) Refers to Ganga, a highly venerated water body in Hindu belief, serving as the site for Puru鈥檚 penance.[15] (5) Refers to the river Ganga, known for its sanctity and spiritual significance.[16]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Rivers considered holy and auspicious, contributing to the spiritual significance of the Kas'mira region.[17] (2) Rivers regarded as holy, often utilized in religious bathing rituals to cleanse sins.[18] (3) Rivers such as Ganga and Manasa that are considered holy and are integral to spiritual cleansing rituals.[19] (4) Rivers, including the Vitasta, recognized for their spiritual significance.[20] (5) Rivers that are imbued with spiritual significance, where bathing is believed to cleanse sins and confer merits.[21]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Holy water sources where Narada bathed, representing purification and spiritual significance.[22] (2) Holy rivers like Ganga and Sarasvati flowing in different directions, called upon to sprinkle sacred water.[23] (3) Refers to the holy waterways created by the Lord that are full of divine properties.[24] (4) Refers to a holy water body created that served many pilgrimages.[25]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Kalindi, and Sarasvati, known for their sanctity, but still lesser in merit compared to the Ekadashi Vrata.[26] (2) Rivers such as Narmada and Kaveri, considered to destroy all sins and are important to the inhabitants.[27]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Rivers considered holy in various religious traditions, often visited by pilgrims for their spiritual and ritualistic significance.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A holy body of water from which water is collected for purification and offerings during the Navaratra ceremony.[29]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Rivers that hold spiritual significance and are often sites of pilgrimage and worship.[30]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Refers to the Ganga, considered the mother of all Tirthas and divine entities.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Sacred rivers collectively refer to the rivers that hold spiritual significance as per the text.[32] (2) A river that is considered holy and revered in religious practices.[33] (3) Refers to the Yamuna, which holds spiritual significance in Hindu beliefs.[34] (4) Rivers regarded as holy, believed to confer spiritual merit and purification to those who bathe in them.[35] (5) Rivers that are considered holy and are often associated with various religious rites and purification practices.[36]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A term referring to the Gandhavati river, with spiritual significance.[37] (2) Refers to the Ganges as a revered body of water in religious traditions, especially in Hinduism, associated with purification and spiritual significance.[38] (3) Holy waterways that are believed to purify souls, but take a long time to do so.[39] (4) Rivers that are considered holy and where spiritual activities like bathing are performed.[40] (5) A river that holds spiritual significance and is treated with respect.[41]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Porunal, the river considered holy and significant in the context of worship and reverence.[42] (2) The 'Sacred river Vraja' is mentioned as a place where the Alvar yearns to be, symbolizing a state of spiritual elevation and purity.[43]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Refers to Ganga, considered holy in Hinduism and significant to the lives of devotees.[44]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Rivers regarded as holy for the purposes of bathing and purification during the Makara-sankranti.[45] (2) Ritualistic bodies of water often featured in stories where divine encounters or significant transformations occur, connecting to the motifs of bathing and loss of clothing.[46]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Important rivers in India, such as the Ganga and Yamuna, that have historically contributed to the establishment and growth of cities.[47] (2) Rivers in India that hold religious significance and around which important towns and temples were established.[48]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Rivers considered holy, where rituals involving water take place, playing a significant role in purification.[49]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A river recognized for its holiness, where offerings and bathings are performed during rituals.[50]
The concept of Sacred river in local and regional sources
The term "Sacred river" symbolizes spiritual significance and purity, particularly associated with the Ganges, reflecting cultural reverence in rituals, divine knowledge, and the broader appreciation of India's natural beauty, as noted by Kipling.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Another name for Saraswati, highlighting its spiritual significance and connection to the flow of divine knowledge.[51] (2) The Ganges is referred to as a sacred river symbolizing purity and spiritual significance in poetry.[52] (3) Rivers worshipped by Indians, traced to Aryan love for water in a hot country.[53] (4) A reference to the natural world鈥檚 beauty, indicative of the life surrounding Rama and Sita.[54] (5) A phrase used by Kipling to describe aspects of India that are often more appreciated than the quiet beauty of coastal landscapes in Cochin.[55]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) One hundred and eight revered rivers personified, bathing in the Chandrabhaga.[56]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) This is the Ganges, described as the most revered river in India, and it is also personified as a goddess in the context.[57]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Places where individuals give up all comforts and luxuries to live in caves and weep bitter tears of misery to realize the idea, not intellectual understanding, but intense realization.[58]