Indraprastha's eternal river: Rediscovering and reviving the Yamuna

Come 'Sawan mas' and the rains arrive, bringing images of water in various forms—ponds and pools, wells and baolis, flowing or overflowing rivers, and the rituals and festivals linked to the rainy season.

- NEERA MISRA

Since time immemorial, water bodies have been sources for daily life and an integral part of many rituals in the Bharatiya social, cultural, spiritual, and personal journey of life.

The yearly 'Kavar Yatra' is the most eagerly awaited event.

From 'Kuan Poojan' to the ritual of river water 'achman' or bathing in holy rivers is regarded as a great blessing.

Rivers, being the most significant sources of water and cradles of our civilisation, have always been the greatest repositories of stored water, thus merging with the traditions associated with them.

The Nadi Sukht of the Rigveda mentions some of the most important rivers that shape the sacred geography of Bharat.

The Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers hold special significance connected to the Triveni Sangam and in exploring the journey of our ancient civilisation, culture, and Itihasa.

Ancient texts vividly recount stories of these rivers, describing their origins and the sacred sites that have grown along their banks over centuries.

The Balkand of Ramayana narrates the story of 'Ganga Avtaran', and Garg Samhita is among several texts that tell stories about Surya Putri Yamuna or Yami and her brother Yam, the lord of Death.

The Mahabharata, along with many other ancient texts, emphasises the importance of the Saraswati River, as shown through the pilgrimage journey of Balarama, brother of Sri Krishna.

Although the Greek term for the science of rivers is Potamology, we examine the factors that have sustained rivers for centuries and consider what prevents Varun Deva from rejuvenating the River Yamuna in Delhi, also known as Indraprastha.

Texts mention that Yamuna was navigable for passengers and goods until at least 1948.

It is well known that for over 5,000 years, these sacred rivers have been self-sustaining, nourishing, and enriching us spiritually, culturally, and economically.