Rivers in Ancient India (study)
by Archana Sarma | 2019 | 49,356 words
This page relates ‘The river Gomati in the Puranas’ of the study on the rivers in ancient India as reflected in the Vedic and Puranic texts. These pages dicsusses the elements of nature and the importance of rivers (Nadi) in Vedic and Puranic society. Distinctive traits of rivers are investigated from descriptions found in the Vedas (Samhitas), Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads and Puranas. The research is concluded by showing changing trends of rivers from ancient to modern times.
8. The river Gomatī in the Purāṇas
Gomatī is the celebrated river of Purāṇic fame and this river is worshipped as a goddess. Another name of Gomatī is Kauśikī.[1] According to Bhāgavatapurāṇa, the Gomatī river is one of India’s transcendental rivers.[2] In the Bhāgavatapurāṇa, it is mentioned that Lord Balarāmā engrossed himself in the Gomatī, the Gaṇḍakī, the Soṇa and Vipāśā river. Thereafter, he went to Gayā to worship his forefathers. He again went to the river Ganges to perform ritual purification.[3] It is modern Gomit that joins the Ganges between Benaras and Ghazipur.[4]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Bhāgavata Purāṇa.,10.79.9
[2]:
Ibid., 5.19.17-18
[3]:
gomatīṃ gaṇḍakīṃ snātvā vipāśāṃ śoṇa āplutaḥ | Ibid.,10.79.11 gayāṃ gatvā pitṛniṣṭvā gaṅgāsāgarasaṅgame ||