The Sacred Waters Of Varanasi

This book on urban water bodies, catchment areas and drainage pattern is set against the backdrop of the unprecedented heavy rainfall that severely deluged metropolitan cities and other parts of India in recent years. The recurring natural catastrophes in water-stressed cities of India and alarming rate of diminishing water bodies, wetlads and catchment areas needs a re-visit to an entire urban water-cycle. This book, thus, discusses how the processes and implementation of colonial urban development policies and projects have radically transformed the water bodies and their catchment areas – traditional water holding systems of Varanasi city. In this imperative colonial process, through the case study of Varanasi, the book mainly engages with the reasons behind the elimination of the temple tanks and ponds after the annexation of Varanasi by the British from 1775 till 1947. The book investigates the colonial notion of ‘dry city’, and how this notion crafted the process of separating land and water bodies, which arguably resulted in the reclamation and draining of water bodies, and also gave rise to water pollution. Additionally, the book analyzes the elimination of water bodies and loss of catchment areas through the ongoing processes of restoring the ancient city’s natural and cultural heritage. Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Bhutan)

Drawing from a variety of religious teachings, anthropological evidence and myths and legends from around the world, this book examines how the essential element water plays a vital role in all aspects of our spiritual lives.

Describing sacred waters and their associated traditions in over thirty countries and across multiple time periods, this book identifies patterns in panhuman hydrolatry. Supplying life’s most basic daily need, freshwater sources were likely the earliest sacred sites, and the first protected and contested resource. Guarded by taboos, rites and supermundane forces, freshwater sources have also been considered thresholds to otherworlds. Often associated also with venerated stones, trees and healing flora, sacred water sources are sites of biocultural diversity. Addressing themes that will shape future water research, this volume examines cultural perceptions of water’s sacrality that can be employed to foster resilient human–environmental relationships in the growing water crises of the twenty-first century. The work combines perspectives from anthropology, archaeology, classics, folklore, geography, geology, history, literature and religious studies.

A Spiritual Journey Up India S Most Sacred River This Is An Account Of A Journey Taken In India. The Destination Is The Origin Of The Ganga, The Holiest And Most Famous Of Indian Rivers. It Is A Physical Journey, Involving Months Of Trekking Through Forested Valleys And Snow-Covered Mountains. It Is Also A Journey Of The Spirit, Taking A Man Deep Into The Heart And Soul Of India S Ancient Religion. Stephen Alter, Who Was Born In The Himalayan Foothills, Crosses Many Miles And Several Millennia, To Search For The Source Of Hindu Religion. Along The Way, As He Reaches One Holy Spot After Another, Meeting Grounds For Pilgrims, Remote Towns And Forgotten Temples He Delves Into The Myths And Traditions Of Ancient Temples. He Explores Tales From The Epics, The Intimate Connection Between Natural History And Mystical Experience, And The Sacred Wisdom That Animates The Religious Legacy Of India. As Every Pilgrim Learns, A Spiritual Search Involves Travel, But Ultimately Returns To The Inner Self. Sacred Waters Is A Richly Told, Compelling Narrative Of A Whole Civilization And Of A Man S Interior Journey.

From award-winning author Maril Crabtree comes the latest exploration of spirituality in nature. Sacred Waters is a collection of stories, reflections, meditations, and poems that celebrate the significance of water in everyday life. Through these magnificent stories, readers reconnect with the natural power of water and rediscover its importance to all living things.

Photo record of a 2019 visit to Varanasi in Utter Pradesh, India. Varanasi is recognised as the spiritual capital of India.Hindu Pilgrims travel to Varanisi to bathe in the sacred waters of the River Ganges's from the Ghats and perform funeral rites.Varanasi's Ghats are access via a network of narrow, busy Alleyways."Varanasi Visited" is a personal photo record of those places and activities.

The book gives a comprehensive view of the complex world of India's sacred place par excellence, also known as Benares. Beyond a scholarly presentation of pilgrimages and documentation of their routes the book opens a new view: visually compelling photographs focus on sacred objects.