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Jal Teerth
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The spiritual significance of bathing has been known since prehistoric times. While bathing was central to all religious activities among the people of the Harappa Civilisation, the Vedic culture gave importance to the holy rivers and a bath in them.
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Hinduism places pilgrimages under 2 categories – Sthal (land) Teerth and Jal (water) Teerth. Jal Teerths have been associated with rivers, lakes, or ponds.
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Among the Jal Teerths, the rivers have been considered as Goddesses while the lakes and ponds are forms of Gods or have an association with God.
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According to Hindu beliefs, the water from these Jal Teerths is said to destroy all sins and give moksh (salvation).
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A bath at these places on specific occasions increases its significance manifold.
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The holiness of the water from these Jal Teerths can be understood from the fact that an abhishek (bath) of the Gods with these waters is supposed to fulfil all desires.
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The water from these Jal Teerths is also known to contain medicinal properties that are capable of curing a number of bodily ailments. Besides, they are known to possess other magical properties.
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The Jal Teerths of India are also carriers of the country’s culture. At these centres, several saints and sages not only did build their ashrams and performed austerities, but also created holy texts which are a priceless heritage of Indian culture.
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