Significance of Holy river
The concept of a Holy river encompasses various interpretations in different religious traditions, primarily within Hinduism. According to Jainism, Holy rivers symbolize purity and salvation, while Vaishnavism emphasizes rivers like the Ganges as sacred due to their spiritual significance and abilities to cleanse sins. The Purana highlights rivers such as Sarasvati and Ganga, recognized for their cleansing qualities and associated rituals. Overall, Holy rivers are viewed as vital spiritual resources, believed to bestow blessings and purify the souls of devotees.
Synonyms: Sacred river, Divine river, Spiritual river, Blessed river
In Dutch: Heilige rivier; In Finnish: Pyhä joki; In Spanish: Río sagrado
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Holy river'
In Buddhism, the "Holy river" signifies the sacred Ganges, revered for its divine qualities. Bathing in its waters is thought to purify individuals of sins and impurities, fostering spiritual renewal and cleansing.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the divine status attributed to the Ganges, where bathing is believed to cleanse sins and impurities.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Holy river'
In Hinduism, "Holy river" signifies sacred water bodies, notably Ganga and Yamuna, revered for their purity and ability to cleanse sins, serving as vital elements in spiritual practices and rituals for purification and blessing.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the sacred river Narmada, revered for its spiritual significance and purity in Hindu beliefs.[2] (2) Rivers that are considered sacred in Hinduism, believed to confer merit and cleanse sins when bathed in.[3] (3) Rivers that flow into a main river and are regarded as sacred, where people can partake in holy baths.[4] (4) Sacred bodies of water such as Narmada and Yamuna, where Rama performed ablutions in hopes of cleansing his sins.[5] (5) Sacred water bodies such as Jahnavi, Yamuna, and Sarasvati, believed to purify and bless those who visit them.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Referring to sacred rivers like Ganges, which are believed to purify sins and bestow blessings upon those who bathe in them.[7] (2) Refers to sacred bodies of water, such as Ganga, where rituals and baths are performed especially during Kartika.[8] (3) A sacred river that rises from the best mountain, rich with holy places, and is frequented by ascetics and sages.[9] (4) Rivers that are characterized as sacred, flowing with holy water and connected with divinity.[10] (5) A river deemed sacred in Hinduism, often associated with purification rituals and spiritual cleansing, like the Ganga.[11]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Symbolic references suggesting the sacredness of water associated with a husband’s feet.[12] (2) The seven rivers that emerged from the hands of the deities at Arundhati’s marriage, symbolizing their blessings and purity.[13] (3) Rivers, such as Nanda and Alakananda, known for their purifying qualities and significance in religious practices.[14] (4) Rivers considered to have sacredness in Hindu belief, such as the Ganges.[15] (5) Rivers considered sacred in Hindu belief, associated with numerous holy centres and carrying spiritual significance.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A river that holds great spiritual significance, often associated with purity and sacred rituals, such as the Ganges and Shona in the text.[17] (2) A reference to the sacred river Bhagirathi that Shri Rama and his party must cross on their journey.[18] (3) Refers to the Yamuna, which is respected and revered, embodying the spiritual aspect of water.[19] (4) Sacred rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, from which water was collected for the installation ceremony.[20] (5) Refers to the sacred stream Ganga, which Bhagiratha seeks to bring down to earth through his austerities.[21]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Referring to the Gautami Ganga, where Sanajjata bathed to cleanse himself.[22] (2) Yamuna is mentioned as a daughter, highlighting its sacredness.[23] (3) Rivers that are revered and recognized for their spiritual properties, believed to bestow blessings when bathed in or honored.[24] (4) Rivers revered for their purity and the merits associated with bathing in them.[25] (5) Significant waters that accompany the sanctifying Goddess Gautami, further emphasizing the importance of purity and rituals.[26]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Sacred water bodies, like Ganga, which hold spiritual significance and are involved in rituals of purification and blessing.[27] (2) Rivers that are considered sacred in Hinduism, often visited for purification and rituals.[28] (3) Sacred bodies of water mentioned that purify hearts and encourage devotion to Lord Vasudeva.[29] (4) Cakranadi, a river that sanctifies the places around Pulahashrama.[30]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Sacred bodies of water such as the Vitasta, Visoka, Candravati, and others, where individuals perform purifying baths.[31] (2) A sacred body of water that is believed to purify sins and confer spiritual merits upon those who bathe in it.[32] (3) Rivers in Kas'mira that are considered sacred and are significant for religious activities.[33]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A river that is considered sacred and is used by various divine beings for rituals and purification.[34] (2) A sacred river resulting from the pure water from Mahadeva's matted hairs, named Jatodaka.[35] (3) Rivers that are always full of water and originate from great lakes, flowing in all four directions.[36]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Seven main rivers in the Varshas that flow into the oceans and are said to dispel sins.[37] (2) Rivers considered sacred in Hinduism, often associated with purification and spiritual merit.[38] (3) Rivers that are considered sacred, believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual upliftment.[39]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Rivers that are venerated within the religious context for their spiritual and cleansing qualities, such as Jala and Upajala.[40] (2) Refers to the rivers considered sacred, often associated with spiritual significance and religious rituals.[41]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Rivers deemed sacred and spiritually significant, believed to bestow merit upon those who bathe in or make offerings near them.[42] (2) Refers to the sacred status of rivers like Sarasvati and Ganga, acknowledged for their ability to cleanse sins.[43]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) Natural bodies of water considered sacred, believed to have the power to wash away sins.[44]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A river considered sacred due to its association with religious rituals and mythology.[45]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Rivers, including the Ganges, where people take special baths on samkranti days as part of their religious observance.[46]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The Ganges and Yamuna, represented as sacred entities in Hindu rituals and worship.[47]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A river, specifically the Ganges, regarded as sacred and spiritual within Hindu tradition.[48]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Symbolically referenced flowing waters that are considered sacred, yet implied to be polluted by sins compared to the purity brought by the presence of a devotee.[49]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Sacred bodies of water that Lord Vishvambhara bathes in and performs rituals.[50]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Sacred rivers referred to in chants to invoke their presence in water.[51]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the confluence of three sacred rivers in Prayaga, significant for spiritual practices.[52]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) A term for a river or place revered by sages, known as tirtha, which holds spiritual significance in Hindu belief.[53]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The river near Shrishaila that was known for its holy waters and high waves.[54]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A river regarded as sacred, providing water for purification purposes.[55]
Jain concept of 'Holy river'
In Jainism, the Holy river symbolizes purity and salvation, representing a path to spiritual enlightenment while contrasting the relentless pursuit of desires that entrap the soul. It embodies ultimate liberation and divine exemplification.
The concept of Holy river in local and regional sources
Holy rivers are sacred bodies of water that hold spiritual significance, often associated with rituals and acts of bathing that are believed to lead to salvation, highlighting their importance in various cultural and religious practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Sacred bodies of water associated with spiritual significance and acts of bathing for salvation.[57]