Tracing the course of Ganga from Neelkant, a few miles upstream from Rishikesh, to Haridwar was not only breathtaking but also an eye opener to the lessons of life. At different places Ganga appeared in different shapes and sizes. The Ganga that was broad and full of force at most places, from certain spots, looked so thin and feeble that I wondered if it was the same river. For those who are not acquainted with her it would be hard to believe, on seeing her at such spots, that she would finish her journey to the sea.
With the terrain becoming mountainous, the river could be seen like a brook, the crystal clear waters caressing the pebbles over which it flowed making a sweet gurgling sound. It made me think again and again if she was the same river which traveled miles gaining strength and width as she flowed down wards to meet the sea. Here, I once again realized that appearances were so deceptive.
As I stood on the Ram Jhula admiring her I saw her waters forming whirlpools as if drawing signature on sheets of paper bequeathing her legacy to her children.The evening arthi on her banks transported one to a different era. The huge idol of Lord Shiva that glowed in the light of the innumerable little diyas lit by His devotees and she flowing below him appearing like a true diwani of her Lord immersed in her love towards Him oblivious of the crowd that thronged her banks to offer prayers to her and her Lord was mesmerizing. It appears as if she has eyes only for Him looking resplendent in the subdued light .I did not feel like blaming her for who can escape such looks, for I was sure all the women present there at that time irrespective of their age would have lost their hearts to Him and hidden that radiance in a corner of their hearts to be admired in solitude later. Another lesson I learn here is the eternal aspect of love.
At Haridwar, Ganga is stronger and wider, the waters becoming the play ground of the local kids who are seen swimming against her current, least afraid, as if they are on the bosom of their mother. And after all was it not so The role of the playful girl that she was in the mountains is replaced by the role of the woman who is strong, graceful and proud.
As I lay awake that night contemplating the course of river Ganga, I understood that it was not without reason that people down the ages gave her the stature of a Goddess. Appearing as a thin stream, closer to her source in the mountains, full of playfulness and lack of seriousness, as any girl in her infancy, curious about any thing she sees and running to touch it, one finds almost every thing may it be foliage or rock formation being touched by her. As she progresses towards the plains she gains the maturity and strength that only a woman possesses yet her zest for life in no way diminishing .she appears like a woman child the transition not fully complete. Still advancing plain wards as she bids farewell to her home in the mountains, she stoically accepts all the dirt and dump that flows into her, not once deviating from her path towards her final destination a lesson which tells us whatever contingencies you have to face in your life move ahead.
I bow before you Ganga, the truly unstoppable one
