Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘Other Rivers in the Brahmanas� of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.
Go directly to: Footnotes.
4. Other Rivers in the µþ°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡as
In the three places[1] of the ±Ê²¹Ã±³¦²¹±¹¾±á¹ƒÅ›a²ú°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡a, there is mention of river ³Û²¹³¾³Ü²ÔÄå. Besides these, in some other contexts of this µþ°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡a, there is a mention of the ¶Ùṛṣ²¹»å±¹²¹³ÙÄ« river.
In Hindu mythology, different kinds of myths and symbols associated with water are described. In ancient Hindu mythology, water is described as the foundation of the whole world, the essence of plant life and the elixir of immortality. In most of the theological literature, water is associated with creation myths. According to the Åš²¹³Ù²¹±è²¹³Ù³ó²¹²ú°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡a,[2] after the great dissolution with the cosmic flood, Lord ³Õ¾±á¹£á¹‡³Ü appeared as the Fish ²¹±¹²¹³ÙÄå°ù (incarnation) and saved representatives of all plant and animal species. Since Fish god was incarnated in water, people believe water is the most sacred substance and have reverent regard for river sources, riverbanks, confluences, seacoasts, and even ponds.
Thus, in the µþ°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡as, a little information is found regarding rivers. Only two or three rivers played the role in this literature.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Pañcaviṃśa µþ°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡a, 9.4.10; 25.15.4; 25.13.23
[2]:
Åšatapatha µþ°ùÄå³ó³¾²¹á¹‡a,1.8.11.6