• Source:JND

Millions of Hindus have kept a bottle of Gangajal on their home altars for decades without it growing algae or developing foul odours. Where normal water develops an unpleasant smell or shows typical signs of spoilage, Ganga Jal does not decay.

According to spiritual beliefs, Ganga carries divine blessings, while scientists say bacteria-eating viruses called bacteriophages are present in it.

Why Ganga Water Is Considered Pure: Spiritual Reason

1. The Descent of Ganga: According to Hindu mythology, the river Ganga used to live in Heaven. Through King Bhagiratha's penance, the River Ganga was brought from heaven to Earth because he wanted his ancestors to attain moksha.

2. Concept of Pavitrata (Purity): In Hinduism, the holy Ganga river is manifested as Goddess Ganga. It is said that holy water cleanses karmic sins and impurities, both physical and spiritual. That is why people from around the world come to Rishikesh and Prayagraj to take a holy dip (Ganga snan).

3. Moksha: It is said that the one who gets cremated on the banks of the Ganges, particularly in Varanasi, attains moksha (freedom) from the cycle of birth and death.

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People from around the world come to Rishikesh and Prayagraj to take a holy dip (Image: Pexels)

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What Science Says: 4 Biological Reasons Ganga Water Stays Fresh

1. The Bacteriophage Secret (The Ninja Viruses): According to scientists, the presence of naturally occurring viruses named bacteriophages is the reason why the Ganga water remains pure and does not get spoiled. These microscopic organisms destroy harmful bacteria like Vibrio cholerae present in the water.

2. Hyper-Oxygenation: The river’s rapid flow over steep Himalayan rocks traps exceptionally high levels of dissolved oxygen, about 15 to 25% higher than typical river systems, which supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms and limits the growth of certain harmful anaerobic bacteria.

3. Medicinal Minerals And Herbs: As the river Ganga rushes through the upper Himalayas, it absorbs antimicrobial minerals like copper and sulfur and extracts from medicinal herbs like Trachyspermum ammi from wild flora, which may indirectly support microbial stability.

4. Self-Purifying Sediment: According to NEERI’s research (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), the unique silt carried down from glacier melting acts as a natural water-cleansing agent that purifies the water of the Ganga.

science behind

As the river Ganga rushes through the upper Himalayas, it absorbs antimicrobial minerals (Image: Pexels)

The Upper Reaches vs. The Plains: Does All Ganga Water Stay Pure?

Many people believe that all the Ganga water remains pure. However, these self-purifying properties are present in the pristine upper region from Gangotri to Rishikesh. In the downstream regions, on the plains, industrial pollution destroys the natural phages, making Ganga water impure.

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What do you think about Ganga water purity?

FAQs

1. Can I drink stored Ganga water after years?

Drinking stored Ganga water after years is generally discouraged by scientists, even though traditional beliefs state it's still pure.

2. What are bacteriophages in the River Ganges?

Bacteriophages in the River Ganges are microscopic viruses that act as filters and destroy harmful bacteria like Vibrio cholerae in the water.


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