Significance of Holy river
The concept of a Holy river encompasses various interpretations in different religious traditions, primarily within Hinduism. According to Jainism, Holy rivers symbolize purity and salvation, while Vaishnavism emphasizes rivers like the Ganges as sacred due to their spiritual significance and abilities to cleanse sins. The Purana highlights rivers such as Sarasvati and Ganga, recognized for their cleansing qualities and associated rituals. Overall, Holy rivers are viewed as vital spiritual resources, believed to bestow blessings and purify the souls of devotees.
Synonyms: Sacred river, Divine river, Spiritual river, Blessed 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 'Holy river'
In Buddhism, the "Holy river" signifies the sacred Ganges, revered for its divine qualities. Bathing in its waters is thought to purify individuals of sins and impurities, fostering spiritual renewal and cleansing.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the divine status attributed to the Ganges, where bathing is believed to cleanse sins and impurities.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Holy river'
In Hinduism, "Holy river" signifies sacred water bodies, notably Ganga and Yamuna, revered for their purity and ability to cleanse sins, serving as vital elements in spiritual practices and rituals for purification and blessing.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A river that holds great spiritual significance, often associated with purity and sacred rituals, such as the Ganges and Shona in the text.[2] (2) A reference to the sacred river Bhagirathi that Shri Rama and his party must cross on their journey.[3] (3) Refers to the Yamuna, which is respected and revered, embodying the spiritual aspect of water.[4] (4) Sacred rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, from which water was collected for the installation ceremony.[5] (5) Refers to the sacred stream Ganga, which Bhagiratha seeks to bring down to earth through his austerities.[6]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Referring to the Gautami Ganga, where Sanajjata bathed to cleanse himself.[7] (2) Yamuna is mentioned as a daughter, highlighting its sacredness.[8] (3) Rivers that are revered and recognized for their spiritual properties, believed to bestow blessings when bathed in or honored.[9] (4) Rivers revered for their purity and the merits associated with bathing in them.[10] (5) Significant waters that accompany the sanctifying Goddess Gautami, further emphasizing the importance of purity and rituals.[11]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Sacred bodies of water such as the Vitasta, Visoka, Candravati, and others, where individuals perform purifying baths.[12] (2) A sacred body of water that is believed to purify sins and confer spiritual merits upon those who bathe in it.[13] (3) Rivers in Kas'mira that are considered sacred and are significant for religious activities.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rivers that are venerated within the religious context for their spiritual and cleansing qualities, such as Jala and Upajala.[15] (2) Refers to the rivers considered sacred, often associated with spiritual significance and religious rituals.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rivers deemed sacred and spiritually significant, believed to bestow merit upon those who bathe in or make offerings near them.[17] (2) Refers to the sacred status of rivers like Sarasvati and Ganga, acknowledged for their ability to cleanse sins.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A river considered sacred due to its association with religious rituals and mythology.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A river, specifically the Ganges, regarded as sacred and spiritual within Hindu tradition.[20]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Symbolically referenced flowing waters that are considered sacred, yet implied to be polluted by sins compared to the purity brought by the presence of a devotee.[21]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Sacred bodies of water that Lord Vishvambhara bathes in and performs rituals.[22]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Sacred rivers referred to in chants to invoke their presence in water.[23]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the confluence of three sacred rivers in Prayaga, significant for spiritual practices.[24]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A river regarded as sacred, providing water for purification purposes.[25]
Jain concept of 'Holy river'
In Jainism, the Holy river symbolizes purity and salvation, representing a path to spiritual enlightenment while contrasting the relentless pursuit of desires that entrap the soul. It embodies ultimate liberation and divine exemplification.
The concept of Holy river in local and regional sources
Holy rivers are sacred bodies of water that hold spiritual significance, often associated with rituals and acts of bathing that are believed to lead to salvation, highlighting their importance in various cultural and religious practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rivers that are revered in various cultures and regarded as sacred, yet threatened by pollution.[27] (2) Sacred bodies of water associated with spiritual significance and acts of bathing for salvation.[28]