Historical
Meaning of Ganga and Becoming the National River
The Ganga has been designated as our “National River” by the government. Ganga holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all Indians, and this emotional connection must be acknowledged. This emotional attachment appears to be rooted in the penance performed by the Rishis for centuries along the banks of the Ganga in the mountains of Uttarakhand.
The rocks have obtained a unique emotional charge. The Ganga’s water rubs against these rocks and is re-aligned at a deep level, much like iron filings are straightened out by simply being near a magnet. This unique property of Ganga waters draws people from all over the country to Haridwar to immerse the ashes of the dead. Such immersion establishes a connection between the dead soul, his ashes, the Ganga waters, and the penance of the Rishis, whose blessings offer tranquility and redemption to the dead soul.
The economic aspect of Ganga is also important. The Ganga flows for approximately 300 kilometres through the mountains of Uttarakhand before reaching Haridwar after falling from a height of approximately 12,000 feet. Except for the 30 kilometres before Haridwar, the Union and Uttarakhand governments have collaborated to tap this entire flow for hydropower. Throughout her 270 km hill flow, Ganga will glide from one canal into another tunnel into another reservoir. The river will no longer flow freely. The waters will lose their emotional powers if they come in contact with the rocks charged with Rishi penance.