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The Saraswati River, revered in Hinduism and mentioned in texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata, holds immense cultural significance and is believed to flow underground
Some believe that the Saraswati river continues to flow beneath the Earth’s surface. (Representative/News18 Hindi)
Rivers hold a revered status in Hinduism, recognised as sacred, life-giving entities. Among them, the Saraswati River stands out, holding immense significance alongside the Ganga, Yamuna, and Narmada. The confluence of these three rivers in Prayagraj, known as Triveni Sangam, is a site of immense religious importance. It is believed that bathing here during the Maha Kumbh absolves one of lifetimes’ accumulated sins.
However, a perplexing question arises: while the Ganga and Yamuna flow visibly, the Saraswati River remains elusive, hidden from sight.
According to Vedic scriptures, rivers on Earth originated with the Saraswati River, which finds mention in ancient texts like the Rigveda and Mahabharata. While the Rigveda’s river hymn describes many rivers, one hymn refers to the Saraswati as ‘Naditama’, meaning ‘the best and holiest of the rivers’. The Rigveda also states that the Saraswati River flowed east of the Yamuna and west of the Sutlej.
The Saraswati River is believed to be as sacred as the Ganga. An integral part of Indian civilisation and heritage for centuries, it is the same river that preserves the heritage of scriptures and on whose banks ancient civilisation arose.
The Saraswati River, believed to originate in the Himalayas, leaves traces of its presence across Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. It is remarkable that such a mighty river is now only visible as a meagre stream in certain locations. Geological changes are widely considered the primary cause of the Saraswati River’s disappearance.
However, some believe that the river continues to flow beneath the earth’s surface. Discoveries in the Thar Desert have unveiled a river system, believed by some to be remnants of the ancient Saraswati River.
The Saraswati River is also mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana. When Bharat was returning from Kekaya country to Ayodhya, a description details him crossing the Saraswati and Ganga rivers on his way.
A mythological story related to the extinction of the Saraswati River is also popular. It is believed that during the Mahabharata period, the Saraswati River was cursed by Durvasa Rishi. The curse decreed that the river would remain extinct until the end of Kaliyuga and would return to Earth only after the Kalki avatar. This story symbolically depicts the changes that take place with time and the effect of natural forces.
From a religious and cultural standpoint, the Saraswati River retains its significance. It embodies our ancient heritage and faith. Although the river is not physically visible, its purity and glory endure within our hearts.
