Significance of River Ganges
The River Ganges is a significant river in India known for its spiritual and cultural importance across various traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. It symbolizes purity and is associated with numerous religious rituals and beliefs. In Buddhism, the river plays a central role in teachings and narratives, while in Hinduism, it is revered as a sacred waterway that bestows religious merit. The Ganges serves as a vital geographical feature, enriching the spiritual landscape and cultural identity of the region.
Synonyms: Ganga, Ganges river, Ganga river, Ganges
In German: Ganges; In French: Gamge; In Dutch: Rivier de Ganges; In Finnish: Ganges-joki; In Spanish: R铆o Ganges; In Malay: Sungai Gangga; In Swedish: Floden Ganges
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'River Ganges'
The River Ganges in Buddhism symbolizes a sacred space integral to various narratives, including encounters of reverence, teachings, and significant events that illustrate moral dilemmas, honoring figures of authority, and the quest for enlightenment.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The sacred river where the Queen had the lump of flesh discarded in order to avoid shame.[1] (2) A significant river in India where the events involving the rich man and the red sandalwood tree take place.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The river beside which the Bodhisatta built his dwelling in a hut of leaves.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A significant river that was at full level during the time, which travelers needed to cross.[4]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A significant river mentioned as the location where people sought to cross, highlighting the Blessed One's miraculous abilities.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The sacred river where the characters encounter a tree trunk needing extraction.[6] (2) A sacred river in India, near which the hermitage of Sahanjani is located and which plays a significant role in the narrative.[7]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The river across which the lord of the world was honored by people offering him boats and decorations.[8]
Hindu concept of 'River Ganges'
The River Ganges in Hinduism symbolizes purity and spirituality, serving as a sacred entity for purification rituals, ancestral worship, and divine representation, while also embodying natural grace and the essence of life and death.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A sacred river in India, used as a metaphor for the graceful movement of Chudala as she navigated the Earth.[9]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Identified as the manifestation of the goddess in the world, symbolizing purity and spirituality.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The divine river that flows from the moon onto mount Meru, then divides into four streams which travel in different directions, eventually flowing through India.[11]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A holy river originating from the foot of Vishnu that encircles the city of Brahma before flowing into the oceans.[12]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Mentioned as a place where one may abandon their body by austerities if they do not reunite with loved ones.[13]
The concept of River Ganges in local and regional sources
The River Ganges is a sacred and significant river in India, symbolizing purity, spirituality, and abundance in Hinduism. It plays a crucial role in the cultural identity and geography of regions like Champa.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A sacred river in India known for its spiritual significance and purity in Hinduism.[14] (2) A sacred river in India, often associated with purity and spirituality in Hinduism.[15] (3) A sacred river in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and abundance, represented here as an unending source of water.[16] (4) A symbol of purity and divinity, used here to convey the indestructibility of certain beings.[17] (5) A symbolic representation of nature's impartiality, emphasizing that it equally nurtures all entities on its banks, similar to Tuka's disposition.[18]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This geographical feature holds significant importance for the Hindu people, which the speaker discussed, referencing their reverence for it.[19]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The river Ganges borders the west of the kingdom, playing a significant role in its geographical and cultural identity.[20] (2) A river that bounds the country on the north.[21] (3) A prominent river that backs the capital of Champa to the north.[22]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) A major river that flows near the city of Ki-jou-i and is significant in the context of Buddha's teachings.[23] (2) A prominent river in India, noted in the text as part of the journey toward the kingdom of Chen-po (Champa).[24]