Significance of Sacred stream
In Vaishnavism, the term Sacred stream primarily refers to the Ganges River, celebrated for its purifying qualities essential for spiritual purification and rituals. It is associated with various characters and events in Hindu narratives, such as Bhagiratha seeking its waters for funeral rites and Vyasa engaging in ablutions. In addition to Ganga, Sacred stream encompasses other holy rivers recognized for their spiritual significance, where practitioners perform rituals for cleansing sins and attaining blessings, emphasizing their vital role in spiritual journeys.
Synonyms: Holy river
In Dutch: Heilige stroom; In Finnish: Pyhä virta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sacred stream'
In Hinduism, the keyphrase "Sacred stream" encompasses revered bodies of water like the Ganges, symbolizing purification, divine blessings, and vital rituals that promote spiritual upliftment and cleansing for both the living and the deceased.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to holy rivers believed to possess purifying properties, such as Vitasta, which is noted for its cool and clear water.[1] (2) Holy waters that are associated with spiritual cleansing and religious rites.[2] (3) A river considered holy, where rituals and purifications are performed.[3] (4) Rivers or water bodies that are regarded as holy in spiritual texts, where bathing is believed to confer blessings and cleanse sins.[4] (5) Indicates a holy or revered body of water, often associated with purification rituals.[5]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A holy river that is considered to have special significance for the characters in the narrative.[6] (2) The holy waters originating from the elephants, symbolizing purity and sanctity.[7] (3) Refers to the holy Ganges, denoting its spiritual significance in the context of the story.[8] (4) Refers to the Ganga river, which is revered and honored during the crossing by Shri Rama and his party.[9] (5) Another description of the Ganga that emphasizes its holy nature as it travels through the land.[10]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Holy waters thought to purify the body, often contrasted with the importance of inner spiritual cleansing.[11] (2) Holy waters that are perceived as spiritually significant, often used for taking baths and performing rituals.[12] (3) Water bodies that are considered holy, often used for purification and spiritual ablutions by the practitioners.[13] (4) The heavenly Ganges Mandakini, where Kumbha and Sikhidvaja performed holy ablutions as part of their wedding rituals.[14] (5) The holy river Ganges, flowing from the mount, regarded as a source of purity and a means for hermits to perform ablutions.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Locations associated with purity and spirituality, often used as settings for conducting rituals.[16] (2) Refers to the Ganges River, which is considered holy, where Vyasa is engaged in ablutions.[17] (3) The sanctified water of the Ganga that cleanses and purifies.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Rivers and water bodies that are considered holy, where purification rituals and spiritual practices are performed.[19] (2) A holy river, such as the Vaitarini, which is regarded as a conduit for cleansing and liberating the souls of the deceased.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The various holy rivers and pathways associated with purification and spiritual journeys within the realm of Prabhasa.[21]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The Ganga, which is said to bestow happiness and grant ascension to heaven for those who come into contact with it.[22]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The holy water brought down from Mount Ushinara, symbolizing purity and pilgrimage.[23]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A term used to describe the Ganges, emphasizing its purifying qualities vital in the spiritual journey of Haridas.[24]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) A metaphorical representation of the flow of divine blessings and spiritual cleansing associated with the worship of Civan.[25]
The concept of Sacred stream in local and regional sources
Sacred stream signifies a pure and divine flow, symbolizing melodies or lifeforces that uplift and enrich the spirit, as described in the regional sources, emphasizing its spiritual and transformative essence.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to a pure and holy flow of melody or life that enriches the spirit.[26]