Why is water so important in Hindu rituals?

 

 

Source: IndiaDivine, A pandit involved in a ritual bathing known as snanam

 

Water is the very essence of life. The life-giving waters are for the welfare of society. The water-worlds are an intrinsic part of the constitution and the development of religions. The pervasive role of water-worlds in society and cosmos is, however, rarely investigated despite its structuring function, which unites micro- and macro cosmos, creates life, and legitimizes social hierarchies. In Hinduism, water is more than a mere element; it is a divine purifier, a conduit for both spiritual and physical cleansing. From the majestic Ganges to the serene Yamuna, water bodies are revered as living deities, offering salvation and renewal to millions. In rituals and rites, the act of ablution signifies the washing away of impurities, fostering a sacred connection between the devotee and the divine. Yet, the significance of water extends beyond the spiritual realm. Scientifically, water is a vital resource, essential for sustaining life and promoting hygiene. It acts as a natural solvent, cleansing our bodies and environment from harmful substances. As the world grapples with issues of water scarcity and pollution, Hinduism’s reverence for water offers a timeless reminder of its purity and the need to protect this precious resource for the well-being of humanity and nature alike. 

 

History and Significance

 

The concept of water as a purification agent has deep roots in ancient Indian culture and religion. Water was revered not only as a life-sustaining force but also as a powerful medium for physical and spiritual purification. This reverence is evident in the various rituals, practices, and texts from ancient India that highlight water’s sacred role.

In the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE), water was considered sacred and was often used in rituals (Yajnas) to purify both the body and soul. In Vedic texts, water is referred to as Apah, or literally the Waters. The Waters are considered to be purifying in a spiritual context.  The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts, contains hymns praising the purifying power of water. The act of sprinkling water or immersing oneself in water was believed to cleanse a person of impurities and sins. For instance, the “Aghamarshana Suktam” in the Rigveda is a hymn dedicated to water and its purifying properties. It was chanted during ablutions to purify oneself from sins.

Apaḥ punantu prthivīm pṛthivī pūtā punātumām |

 Punantu brahmaṇas patir brahma pūtam punātumām ||

Meaning: May the waters cleanse the earth; may the purified earth purify me. May the Lord of Brahman (the Creator) cleanse us, may Brahman who is pure purify us.

 

 

Source: Album, Painting by S. Rajam depicting a group of maidens bathing in the holy river as a symbol of purification.

 

 This verse captures the essence of the hymn, invoking water‘s power to cleanse and purify not just physically but spiritually as well. The Samhitas (ritualistic hymns), Brahmanas (ritual explanations), and Aranyakas (forest treatises) provide numerous instances where water is used in rituals like Abhisheka (ritual bathing), Tarpana (water offerings), and Agnisthoma (a fire ritual involving water). In the Upanishads, water is seen as a symbol of the infinite and the divine essence. For example, the Chandogya Upanishad describes how all living beings emerge from water, which is also used for rituals like Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Sandhyavandanam (daily prayers). The Puranas, especially the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana, also emphasizes the sacredness of rivers like the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and Saraswati, where ritual baths are believed to cleanse one of sins and bring spiritual merit.

 

 

 

Source: Istock, Chand Baoli, the most famous stair well in Rajasthan, India which is located adjacent to the Harshat Mata Temple. It was likely used by pilgrims and worshippers for ritual baths before offering prayers, a common practice in Hinduism.

 

In medieval India, water’s role as a purifier expanded beyond religious rituals to everyday practices. The construction of stepwells (baolis) and tanks near temples during this period also reflects the importance of water in religious and communal life. These structures were designed not only to provide water for practical use but also to facilitate ritual bathing.

 

Rituals Involving Water Purification in Hinduism

 

Water is very important for all the rituals in Hinduism. It is revered as a sacred and purifying element, integral to numerous rituals that symbolize physical and spiritual cleansing. For example, water is essential as a cleaning agent, cleaning the vessels used for the poojas (rituals), and for Abhishekas where deities in temples are ceremonially bathed with water and other sacred substances like milk, honey, and ghee this ritual signifies the cleansing of the deity, representing the washing away of impurities and the renewal of divine energy. The water used in Abhishekam is considered holy and is often collected after bathing the Deities as it is considered very sacred. 

This water is offered as “Theertha” or blessed offering to the devotees is often distributed among    devotees as prasadam, believed to confer blessings and purity. 

 

 

Source: IStock, A large group of Indian devotees take part in a holy bath on the occasion of Kumbh Mela which happens once in 12 years.

 

Snana (ritual bathing) is another significant practice, often performed before entering a temple or participating in religious ceremonies. This ritual involves bathing in sacred rivers or at home, symbolizing the purification of the body and soul. The belief is that through this act, devotees cleanse themselves of physical impurities and past sins, making them worthy of receiving divine blessings. The ritual is especially significant during festivals like Makar Sankranti and Kumbh Mela, where millions of Hindus take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari, seeking spiritual purification. Other type of religious rituals is tarpana, which means to please or to gratify. Specifically, tarpana is the act of pouring water through the hands with the use of sacred grass as a symbolic gesture of recognition, thanking and pleasing Gods, sages, and fathers. Achamana is a purification ritual involving the sipping of water before performing religious ceremonies. This act is believed to cleanse the mouth and body.

The sprinkling of water, known as Prokshana, also serves as a symbolic act of purification. This ritual is performed in various ceremonies, including housewarming, weddings, and daily prayers. The act signifies the cleansing of negative energies, creating a sacred space for spiritual activities. It is often accompanied by the chanting of mantras, invoking divine blessings. Even before starting a meal Hindus sprinkle water around the leaf or plate in which the meal is traditionally eaten. In times past, a King was sprinkled with water in order to purify him during his coronation. This was believed to ensure an auspicious beginning to his reign.

 

The Role of Holy rivers in Hinduism

Taking a bath is an important daily ritual in the Hindu faith. It’s believed that bathing cleans the body but also the mind and soul. Bathing in the morning is thought to help remove all negative energy, and 4am is considered the most auspicious time. Many Hindu temples have public water tanks so that worshippers can bathe before entering the temple. Rivers play an important role in the Hindu faith. Many are believed to be sacred, and people bathe in them to cleanse themselves of their sins. There are seven principle holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sarasvati, Narmada, Sindhu/Indus, Kaveri. Ganga (the Ganges) is the holiest of the sacred rivers. 

 

 

Source: Istock, Priests in red robe in the holy city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India during the evening light ceremony called Ganga arthi to worship river Ganga, considered as the holy river in Hinduism.

 

Ganga in India is the most holy river in Hinduism, and she stems mythological from Kailash. She is eternally pure and cleanses sins. The holiest river in Hinduism concentrates the sanctity of all rivers: “Not only is the Ganges said to be present in other rivers, but other rivers are present in her”. Ganges is said to be the “nectar of immortality” which brings life to the dead cremated on the banks of the River of Heaven. According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges descended from heaven to earth through the efforts of King Bhagiratha, who sought to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Bathing in the Ganges is believed to wash away sins, leading to spiritual liberation (moksha). The river’s water, known as Gangajal, is considered sacred and is used in various rituals, from birth to death. The Yamuna River is another sacred river, associated with Lord Krishna. According to Hindu belief, Krishna played along the banks of the Yamuna during his childhood, making the river a site of pilgrimage and devotion. Bathing in the Yamuna is believed to purify the soul and remove negative karma. The Saraswati River, though no longer visible, is considered a mystical river that flows underground. It is mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas and is believed to join the Ganges and Yamuna at the confluence (Triveni Sangam) in Prayagraj. The Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and purity, and its water is believed to purify the intellect and soul.

Pilgrimages to these sacred rivers are an essential aspect of Hindu spiritual practice. The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years at four different locations—Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain—is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of devotees converge to take a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, believing that the act will cleanse them of their sins and lead to liberation. The significance of these rivers and the rituals associated with them is also evident in other festivals like Ganga Dussehra, which celebrates the descent of the Ganges to earth, and Yamuna Jayanti, which honors the birth of the Yamuna. These festivals and pilgrimages underscore the deep spiritual connection between Hindus and their sacred rivers, where water is more than a physical substance—it is a divine medium for purification and connection with the eternal.

 

Scientific Perspectives on Water as a Purifying Agent

 

Water has always held a sacred place in Hinduism, not just for its spiritual significance but also for its tangible purifying properties. From a scientific perspective, water’s ability to cleanse, hydrate, and sustain life is central to its role in Hindu rituals and daily practices. Water’s unique physical and chemical properties make it an exceptional medium for purification. It is a universal solvent, meaning it can dissolve a wide variety of substances. This property allows water to cleanse impurities from surfaces, making it an ideal agent for ritual purification in Hinduism, where physical and spiritual cleanliness are intertwined. The molecular structure of water contributes to its high surface tension, which enables it to adhere to and remove dirt and contaminants from the skin and other surfaces. This property is central to rituals such as Snana (ritual bathing), where the cleansing power of water is invoked to wash away both physical dirt and symbolic impurities. Water’s ability to maintain a liquid state over a wide temperature range and its high heat capacity also make it essential for maintaining the body’s homeostasis. In Hindu practices, the use of water in rituals like Abhishekam (anointing deities with water) is not only symbolic but also reflects an understanding of water’s cooling and rejuvenating properties.

 

Beyond its symbolic use, water is crucial for sanitation, hygiene, and overall health, which aligns with its purifying role in Hinduism. Access to clean water is fundamental for preventing disease and maintaining health. Scientifically, water is essential for personal hygiene, cooking, and cleaning—activities that are central to Hindu daily life and rituals. Regular bathing, a practice strongly emphasized in Hindu culture, is supported by scientific research as a method to remove pathogens, dead skin cells, and sweat, reducing the risk of infections and skin diseases. The ritual of Achamana, where water is sipped before prayers, also has a practical aspect, promoting oral hygiene and stimulating digestion. In Hindu temples, water is often used to wash hands and feet before entering, a practice that not only has religious significance but also serves as a basic measure of hygiene, reducing the spread of germs. This practice is supported by the scientific understanding of water’s role in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. Moreover, water plays a vital role in public health and sanitation systems, crucial for preventing waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The reverence for water in Hinduism encourages practices that align with modern public health principles, such as maintaining cleanliness of water sources and ensuring that water used in rituals is pure and uncontaminated.

 

In conclusion, water’s role as a purification agent in Hinduism is deeply embedded in both religious practices and scientific principles. From the sacred rituals involving holy rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna to the daily acts of cleanliness and hygiene, water is revered not only as a symbol of spiritual purity but also as a vital resource for physical well-being. This dual reverence highlights a unique convergence of faith and science, where the cleansing power of water transcends mere symbolism, playing a crucial role in maintaining health and promoting a balanced, harmonious life. The veneration of water in Hindu culture thus serves as a reminder of its indispensable value, both as a sacred element in religious rituals and as an essential resource for sustaining life on Earth.

 

Bibliography

 

1. Basham, A. L. “The Wonder That Was India: A Survey of the Culture of the Indian Sub-Continent before the Coming of the Muslims.” New York: Grove Press, 1954.

 

     2. Kinsley, David R. “Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition”. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1986.

 

3.  Narayanan, Vasudha. “Water, Wood, and Wisdom: Ecological Perspectives from the Hindu Traditions.” Daedalus, vol. 130, no. 4, 2001, pp. 179-206.

 

4. Oestigaard, Terje. “Water and World Religions. An Introduction”, ResearchGate, SFU & SMR, January 2005.

 

5. Singh, Rana P.B. Banaras: Making of India’s Heritage City. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019.

 

6. Lochtefeld, James G. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A–M. New York: Rosen Publishing, 2001.