Ganga water holds an extremely important place in our lives and religious traditions. It is said that even a single drop of Ganga water washes away all sins and guides the soul toward the path of salvation. This is why people always use Ganga water in every auspicious occasion, worship, yajna, or marriage ceremony. Ganga water is considered as sacred as nectar, but bringing Ganga water from Kashi or Banaras is considered inauspicious.

In religious scriptures and popular beliefs, the Ganga of Banaras is considered liberating, but bringing Ganga water from there to home is said to be prohibited for some specific reasons. Bringing even the wet soil from there is also forbidden. Since ancient times, Banaras has been called the city of Shiva and the city of salvation. Many creatures and humans come here to relinquish their lives.

There are some ashrams built here where people come during the final phase of their lives and stay there until death. It is said that souls attain salvation on this sacred land. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the main ghats of Banaras. Many last rites are performed here daily. These ghats witness numerous rituals every day and are considered symbols of liberation.

Why is bringing Ganga water from Kashi to home considered forbidden?

It is said that people who take Ganga water from Kashi with them unknowingly also carry the microscopic organisms present in that water. According to belief, these organisms have a deep connection with the sacred land of Kashi and the Ganga water, where they have the right to attain salvation. Therefore, it is believed that separating any organism from its place in Kashi obstructs its path to salvation, which is considered a serious sin.

It is believed that a person who inspires someone else to come to Kashi attains great virtue, and conversely, keeping someone away from this holy city or preventing them from coming here makes one a participant in sin. According to beliefs, these rules also apply to the entire soil of Banaras, especially the wet soil mixed with Ganga water.

The tradition of not bringing Ganga water from Kashi has another reason: after cremation, the ashes of the deceased are immersed in the Ganga here. In such cases, it is natural for the Ganga water to contain those remains or microscopic particles. It is believed that taking this water outside could affect the salvation process of those souls. Additionally, various types of tantric rituals and other practices are performed here. Therefore, the consequences of bringing Ganga water from this place to home could also be negative.

Ganga

The Ganga (or Ganges) is India’s most sacred river, central to Hinduism for millennia and worshipped as the goddess Ganga. It is believed to have descended from heaven to earth, with its history deeply intertwined with ancient myths, rituals, and the rise of major cities like Varanasi along its banks. Today, it remains a vital source of spiritual sustenance, though it faces significant challenges with pollution.

Kashi

Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major spiritual hub of Hinduism in India. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, it is believed to have been founded by the god Shiva over 5,000 years ago. The city is renowned for its ghats, where pilgrims perform rituals, and as a center for philosophy, yoga, and classical Indian culture.

Banaras

Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major spiritual hub of Hinduism in India. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River, it is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva and has been a center of learning and pilgrimage for millennia. The city is renowned for its ghats, where pilgrims perform rituals and ceremonies, seeking spiritual liberation.

Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Varanasi, India. According to Hindu belief, being cremated here provides moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Its history is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, with legends suggesting it is as old as creation itself and was blessed by Lord Shiva.

ghats of Kashi

The ghats of Kashi (Varanasi) are a celebrated series of stepped stone embankments lining the sacred Ganges River. For centuries, these ghats have served as a pivotal site for Hindu spiritual life, functioning as places for daily ritual bathing, religious ceremonies, and cremation. Their history is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology, with many believing that Lord Shiva himself founded the city, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.

city of Shiva

The “city of Shiva” most commonly refers to Varanasi (also known as Kashi), one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the holiest city in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in India, it is believed to have been founded by Lord Shiva himself, making it his eternal earthly abode. For millennia, it has been a paramount center for pilgrimage, learning, and devotion, drawing millions who seek spiritual liberation.

city of salvation

The term “City of Salvation” is not a widely recognized official name for a specific historical place. It is often used as a poetic or religious metaphor, most notably in Christian hymns and literature to refer to heaven or a spiritual refuge. Therefore, it does not have a concrete history as a physical cultural site.

ashrams

An ashram is a spiritual hermitage or monastery in Indian religions, traditionally a secluded place where a guru or sage resides with disciples. Historically, these communities were centers for meditation, yoga, and the study of spiritual texts, often located in natural settings like forests or the Himalayas. In modern times, the concept has expanded to include spiritual retreat centers worldwide that offer guidance for personal growth and well-being.