Saraswati River

Amazing Facts About The Saraswati River

As Hindus we have a thorough knowledge of rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari and Narmada among many others. These rivers which flow across the heart of India today all have several great legends associated with them. They are also recognized for the sanctity of their purifying waters and the several key pilgrimages, that lie on their banks.

One river that not everyone is aware of is the Saraswati. It is not a river that flows in the present day, but it once did with great splendor. This was a legendary river which has been mentioned countless times in ancient Vedic texts, which all highlight its importance. Let us have a look at some fascinating facts about the ‘invisible’ river, which according to some still flows though the land.

Religious Significance Of River Saraswati

1. The Saraswati river was an ancient river in Northern India which is said to be an earthly manifestation of Sarasvati devi.

2. It is a river that has been mentioned in the Rig Veda, where it has been glorified as the giver of life for the people who lived along its banks.

3. The Saraswati which flowed through India some 4000 years ago was also considered to be the mother of rivers. Many great legends relating to this ancient river exist within the pages of Hindu mythology.

4. Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu purified himself in the waters of river Saraswati after ending the race of the Kshatriyas.

5. Lord Kartikeya was appointed as the commander of the armies of the Gods on the bank of this river.

6. It is believed that the river flows underground even today and it meets the Ganga and Yamuna at Sangam in Allahabad. This place is considered to be very sacred and is visited my millions of pilgrims each year during Makar Sankranti and the Kumbh Mela.

7. Some legends even say that the Saraswati river dried up as it became Goddess Saraswati Herself.

 Saraswati Shuktam From Rig Veda –

Paavakaa na Saraswathi

Vajebhi vajnivathi

Yagnam vasthu dhiyaavasu.

Chodayathri soonruthaanaam,

Chethanthi sumathinaam,

Yajnam dadhe Saraswathi.

Maho arnaah Saraswathi,

Prachethayathi kethunaa,

Dhiyo vishva virajethi.

Prano devi saraswathi,

Vajhebhir vajinavathi,

Dhinam avithri avathu.

Sri Eswaran