Article | Conservation of river water allows crossing the Vaitarani | Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh | Central Chronicle

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Conservation of river water allows crossing the Vaitarani

         -    Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh

Writer, Author & Social Activist

Blogger - "Climate Diary Of Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh"

 

 It is believed in the Vedas that we should protect all the types of water in the universe. The water of the rivers has been considered to be the most protected because they irrigate the agricultural fields, due to which the life of the living beings goes on. The flowing water of rivers is considered pure. That's why rivers should not be polluted. According to Vedic belief, the one who harms the river water, can never cross the river Vaitarani (styx), which is found after death. Since heaven can be reached only after crossing Vaitarani, therefore, if he is not able to cross Vaitarani, he does not get entry into heaven.

 

Hindu Vedic mythology says that Vaitarani river (styx river) is inhabited by terrible worms, crocodiles and vultures with thunderbolt beaks. After death, when the Yamdoots pass through the Vaitarani River carrying the sinful soul, the blood of the river starts boiling. The one who harms nature and river water, it is said that the one who does bad deeds in life, does not do religious deeds, charity and charity, that sinful soul has to face a lot of trouble in crossing the Vaitarani river. The one who harms the river water, can never cross the river Vaitarani, which is found after death. Since heaven can be reached only after crossing Vaitarani, therefore, if he is not able to cross Vaitarani, he does not get entry into heaven. According to the Garuda Purana, the river flows at many other places besides the earth. The river we are talking about flows from Yamlok to Hell. According to religious beliefs, the name of this river is Vaitarni river which is 100 yojana i.e. 120 kms. It is long and full of blood. It has been told in Garuda Purana that a part of this river passes through the earth to Yamlok and then from there to the gate of hell. According to the Garuda Purana, when a person dies, his soul is presented to Yamraj in Yamaloka. If he gets hell according to his deeds, then the Yamdoots take that sinful soul to this river. The blood in the river starts boiling at the sight of any sinful soul and the river starts making a fierce roar. The person who does charity in life, who does not harm nature and river water, his soul is protected by the Vaitarani River.

The existence of the Vaitarani river must have been mentioned in the religious texts for this reason, so that humans fear harming nature and river water and do good deeds, conserve nature, conserve water, protect biodiversity. 'Jalamev Jeevanam!' The importance of water and reservoirs in Indian culture has been accepted since ancient times. Life cannot be imagined without water. In our Vedic literature, a lot of emphasis has been laid on the sources of water, importance of water for all living beings, quality of water and its conservation. In Vedas, water has been called 'Vishwabheshjam', that is, all medicines are contained in water (that is, pure water is so beneficial, beneficial and important for all living beings). Describing the properties of water in Rigveda, it is said-

                         "Apswantramritampsu bheshajam."

- Means there is nectar in water, there is medicine in water. Actually, Aryan culture flourished, flourished and grew on the banks of rivers. Big ancient cities prospered only on the banks of rivers. Like Ayodhya on the banks of Saryu, Ujjayini on the banks of Kshipra river, Prayag on the banks of Triveni, Mathura on the banks of Yamuna etc. Punjab is called Saptasindhu province. In the Vedic period, living near the banks of the Saraswati river and consuming the water of this river, the seer sages created the Vedas and expanded the Vedic knowledge.

The glory of holy rivers is sung in thousands of names. Is. The glory of rivers in India is described in detail in the Nadi Sukta of Dasam Mandal in Rigveda.

Ganga Yamune Saraswati Shutudri Stomai Sachta Parushnya.

Asivaknya Marudvridhe Vitastayarjikiye Shranuhya Sushomaya..

We have a pious tradition of remembering the names of holy rivers while taking bath at home. As-

Ganges Ch Yamune Chaiv Godavari Saraswati.

Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jaleshmin Sannidhi Kuru.

- Means 'O Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Indus, Kaveri rivers! All of you come in this water for my bath.

Ganga Indus Saraswati C Yamuna Godavari Narmada

Kaveri Saryu Mahendratanaya Charmanyavati Vedika.

Kshipra Vetravati Mahasuranadi fame Jaya Gandaki

Poornah Poornajalaih Samudrasahitah Mangalam in Kurvantu.

 

In the prestigious Vedas in the form of Adigranth, water has been praised considering it as a vital element. Describing water as beneficial in Atharvaveda, it has been said that 'the water that is in the desert, the water that is in the pond, the water that is brought in a pitcher, the water that is obtained from rain, all these waters should be beneficial for us. May the water of the wells give us prosperity. May the collected water give us prosperity, may rain water give us prosperity. Water as a medicine occupies the highest place in the science of medicine, medicine and medical practices of different countries. Along with Charaka and Sushruta Samhita, the most ancient texts, Rigveda and other Ayurvedic texts, have elaborated on its philosophy. Water is the medicine for all diseases. It is said in the Atharvaveda that the water which is full of color shining like gold, very beautiful, gives purity, from which Savitadev and Agnidev were born, which is the best colored Agnigarbha, that water can cure our diseases, may everyone be blessed with happiness and peace. In Rigveda, there is a continuous flow of water culture. The development of water culture and tradition of Rigveda is also found in Atharvaveda. Water is the basis of a happy and prosperous life. In Shatpath Brahmin, water has been described as life by saying 'Apo Vai Pranah'. All the gods are established in water only. Water is also the means to convey our praises to the gods.

In fact, considering the flowing water i.e. river water to be the most sacred, emphasis has been laid on conservation of river water in the Vedas because the river is the only element that exists on this side and the other side of life and provides happiness and heaven to man. That's why there is an appeal to save river water in the scriptures.

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 (20.08.2023)

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