Saraswati River
The Sarasvati River is an ancient river mentioned in the Indian Rigveda and other Hindu texts. It was considered sacred and significant during the Vedic period, described as a powerful and holy river.[1]
Location and history
[change | change source]The Sarasvati is believed to have flowed in northwestern India and later dried up. Some scholars identify it with the present-day Ghaggar-Hakra River, while others link it to the Helmand River in Afghanistan.[2]
Satellite studies have shown that the Ghaggar-Hakra once had significant water flows but became seasonal due to changes in climate and geography.[3] This drying up is often linked to changes in the Indus Valley Civilization.[4]
Sarasvati in Hindu culture
[change | change source]In Hindu mythology, the Sarasvati is also a goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning.[5]
The river is considered part of the confluence at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati (believed to flow underground) meet. This place is a significant religious site. Sarasvati is seen as a symbol of purity and inspiration in Hindu culture.[6]
Archaeological evidence
[change | change source]Many sites of the Indus Valley Civilization are located along the dry bed of the Sarasvati.[7] This suggests that the river played an important role in the growth of these ancient settlements.
Modern research and revival
[change | change source]Modern researchers in India are working to study the river's route using satellite imagery and archaeological methods.[8] Efforts are being made to revive parts of the Sarasvati’s route to preserve its cultural and historical importance.
Related pages
[change | change source]References
[change | change source]- ↑ Bryant, Edwin. The Quest for the Origins of Vedic Culture. Oxford University Press, 2001, pp. 150–155.ISBN 978-0195137774.
- ↑ Possehl, Gregory L. The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. AltaMira Press, 2002, pp. 91–93.ISBN 978-0759101722.
- ↑ Yashpal, et al. "Remote sensing of the 'lost' Sarasvati River." Current Science, vol. 81, no. 12, 2001, pp. 1332–1337.
- ↑ Possehl, Gregory L. The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. AltaMira Press, 2002, pp. 91–93.ISBN 978-0759101722.
- ↑ "Sarasvati". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ↑ "The Mystical Significance of the Saraswati River". Hindu Mythology. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ↑ Possehl, Gregory L. The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. AltaMira Press, 2002, pp. 91–93.ISBN 978-0759101722.
- ↑ "Researchers revive 'lost' Saraswati river in Haryana". The Hindu. 2018-09-29. Retrieved 2025-01-17.