Hinduism places immense significance on rivers, with each river like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, and Krishna being revered as divine incarnations and worshipped as mothers. From ancient times, rivers have been considered sacred, possessing the power to cleanse sins. Bathing in these rivers is believed to bring both physical and mental well-being.
However, did you know that there are specific rules for river bathing according to Sanatana Dharma?
Among all rivers, the Ganga holds a special place. Devotees flock to places like Kashi, Prayag, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to bathe in the Ganga. The river is not just a river but is called ‘Ganga Mata’. According to Hindu beliefs, bathing in the Ganga purifies the soul and grants moksha (liberation). During festivals like Makar Sankranti, Kumbh Mela, and Ganga Dussehra, millions of people travel long distances to bathe in the Ganga to wash away their sins and lead a blissful life.
A popular sloka highlights the importance of bathing in sacred rivers: "Gange cha Yamune chaiva, Godavari Saraswati, Narmade Sindhu Kaveri, jalesmin sannidhim kuru."
This means that bathing in these rivers grants the same merit as bathing in the holy Pushkar.
As times change, so do people’s habits and traditions. Today’s generation often bathes in sacred rivers even after sunset or at night, citing reasons like lower temperatures and less crowd. However, this can invite problems according to Hindu beliefs. Traditionally, river bathing should be done at specific times for health benefits. According to scriptures, yakshas (nature spirits) are believed to bathe in sacred rivers and roam around them at night, making it inadvisable for humans to bathe in rivers during that time.
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