Water Water Everywhere

Water Is the Means of Physical Cleansing, and Also Symbolises Spiritual Cleansing in Practically All Cultures

- Susan Philip

In a nutshell

Water is seen as a life-sustaining, cleansing and purifying agent in all cultures. Hinduism is no exception.Water from some sources is considered especially sacred,and the means of salvation. It is an important element in rituals to mark birth, death and all the major milestones in between. It is also a component of everyday customs followed by people across the country, cutting across barriers of creed. Varuna, the Lord and regulator of water in all its forms on the earth – the oceans, the seas, the river, the ponds, lakes and also rain – was in the pre-Vedic era worshipped as the preeminent deity, though in course of time, he yielded to Indra in importance.

Meaning

On a day-to-day basis, water is sprinkled on the thresholds of homes and shops at dawn and dusk. It’s done not only as a purification ritual, but also to settle the dust and bring at least a degree of coolness during the summer.

The poorna kumbha or pot filled with water is an integral part of many a religious ceremony in India. The water in the pot symbolises life, and the fact that the pot is filled signifies plenty.