Years ago, I lived in India, based in Varanasi, and there was something about the Ganga that always drew me in. It wasn’t just the sights, the sounds, or the stories- there was something visceral about the river, something that pulsed through my being. I would often sit by the ghats for hours, watching the bodies of the deceased float by, the occasional dog gnawing on human skulls and remains. At sunset, I would wade into the waters, ensuring I closed my mouth and pinched my nose each time I submerged myself, the cool flow washing over me, cleansing me in its sacred embrace. The Ganga is not just a river, it is a living entity, one that embodies both life and death, an eternal force of purification, transformation, and liberation. It is the lifeblood of Varanasi, where death is not feared but honoured, and the river plays a central role in guiding souls on their final journey.

The Spiritual Importance of the Ganga

In Hinduism, the Ganges River is far more than just a body of water—it is revered as a goddess, Ganga, embodying the highest spiritual purity and divine power. Her waters are considered sacred, holding the ability to cleanse the soul and purify those who come into contact with them. It is believed that by immersing oneself in the Ganga, or even by sprinkling her waters, a person can cleanse their sins, making a fresh start on their spiritual journey. For Hindus, the Ganges is a living entity, not just a river. It is the embodiment of a cosmic force that represents both life and death in their most profound forms.

The sacredness of the Ganga is not limited to its physical characteristics; it is deeply woven into the fabric of spiritual belief. The river is thought to carry with it the blessings of the gods, particularly those of Lord Shiva, who is said to have tamed the river’s mighty waters. Its spiritual power is believed to be so potent that it can wash away the accumulated karma of lifetimes, allowing the soul to reach a state of liberation or moksha. This makes the Ganges an integral part of Hindu death rituals, particularly in Varanasi, where it serves as a sacred threshold for the soul’s final journey. The river is not only a physical space but a divine portal between the living world and the spiritual realms, offering a path to freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Ganga’s Connection to Death Rituals

In Varanasi, the Ganga holds a central place in the death rituals that occur daily along its ghats. The city is known as the spiritual heart of India, where the belief in liberation (moksha) through the river is deeply ingrained in the culture. After a person’s body is cremated at the ghats, their ashes are scattered into the Ganges to ensure that their soul’s journey is completed. This act symbolises the final release from the earthly plane and is believed to purify the soul, dissolving any remaining karmic burdens. By returning the ashes to the river, the soul is believed to be set on a path to moksha, liberation from the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

While this is a common practice for most individuals, there are exceptions. Children and holy men, regarded as spiritually pure due to their innocence or detachment from worldly attachments, are given a unique form of burial known as the “water burial.” Their bodies are placed directly into the Ganga, untouched by fire. This ritual is believed to grant these souls an even more direct and accelerated path to moksha, bypassing the cycle of reincarnation. The significance of this act cannot be overstated. The river is not just a physical space, it is a spiritual realm in its own right, capable of guiding souls to the highest spiritual state. For the people of Varanasi, the Ganga is an ever-present companion in both life and death, offering guidance and ultimate freedom.

Bathing in the Ganga

Bathing in the Ganga is considered one of the most powerful spiritual practices for Hindus, especially for those who are nearing the end of their lives. Pilgrims from across India and the world come to Varanasi to immerse themselves in the river’s holy waters, hoping to cleanse themselves of the sins accumulated over a lifetime. This ritual is seen not only as a physical purification but also as a deeply spiritual one, cleansing the soul and preparing it for its next journey. The Ganga is believed to have the power to wash away both mental and physical impurities, making it a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

For many, the act of bathing in the Ganges is an opportunity to symbolically cleanse their past, to let go of their attachments to the material world, and to prepare for the inevitability of death. For those nearing the end of their life, taking a dip in the Ganga is believed to purify the soul and provide a sense of peace and acceptance, knowing they have prepared themselves spiritually for the journey ahead. As pilgrims enter the water, they offer prayers, seek blessings, and hope for the grace of the goddess Ganga. The experience of immersing oneself in the river is often described as deeply transformative, where the mind becomes still, and the connection to the divine becomes palpable. In the sacred waters of the Ganga, one is reminded of the impermanence of life and the eternal flow of the divine.

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

The Ganga Aarti is one of the most spectacular spiritual rituals performed on the banks of the river. Every evening, as the sun sets and the sky darkens, hundreds if not thousands of devotees gather at the ghats of Varanasi to take part in this grand ceremony. The air is filled with the sounds of chanting and the scent of incense as the priests and devotees light ceremonial lamps, offering them to the river. The Ganga Aarti is a deeply moving spectacle, where fire, water, sound, and devotion merge in a profound expression of reverence for the river goddess. The fire from the lamps flickers and dances in the evening breeze, symbolising the eternal light of the divine, while the reflected flames shimmer on the surface of the river, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

The ceremony is not just a show of devotion, but a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and death, of the cyclical nature of existence. As the flames rise toward the heavens, the prayers and offerings symbolise the souls’ journey, passing through life, death, and into the afterlife. The Ganga Aarti is a communal experience, where devotees from all walks of life come together to offer their respect, acknowledging the sacredness of the Ganga and the eternal cycle she represents. For many, witnessing the Ganga Aarti is an unforgettable experience that deepens their connection to the divine, allowing them to reflect on their own journey through life and death. It is an invitation to experience the river as more than just a body of water, but as a living, breathing presence that sustains, purifies, and liberates.

The Ganga is not just a river; it is the heart and soul of Varanasi, an embodiment of life, death, and spiritual liberation. Through its waters, Hindus believe they can cleanse not only their physical bodies but their souls as well, purging the sins of a lifetime and preparing for the next stage of existence. In the practices of cremation, bathing, and the sacred Ganga Aarti, the river serves as both a space for purification and a guide for the soul’s ultimate journey toward moksha. Each time I bathed in her waters, I was reminded of the profound truth that life is a continuous flow, ever-changing, and that the Ganga, with its eternal current, connects us all to the divine. It is a river that holds the past, the present, and the future, flowing with the promise of liberation and spiritual renewal for all who seek its embrace.