Why Devotees Avoid Bringing Ganga Water from Kashi: Scientific and Spiritual Reasons Explained

Why Bringing Ganga Water from Kashi Is Considered Inauspicious

Why Devotees Avoid Bringing Ganga Water from Kashi: Scientific and Spiritual Reasons Explained: Ganga water holds immense spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is considered essential for religious ceremonies such as pujas, yajnas, havans, and other auspicious rituals. Devotees often carry Ganga water from pilgrimage sites to their homes as a symbol of purity and divine blessings.

1. Presence of Remains from Cremation Ghats

Kashi is home to Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, where cremations are performed continuously.
The Ganges water here is believed to contain the energy of souls in the process of attaining salvation.
Taking water from these ghats is said to bring negative energy into the household, potentially causing unrest in the family.

2. Kashi is “Mokshabhoomi”

Kashi is revered as the land of Moksha (salvation).
Bathing in the Ganges at Kashi is believed to lead to liberation after death.
The water from this sacred city is considered suitable for funeral rites and ancestor pacification, not for everyday religious use at home.

3. Scientific Perspective

Every day, thousands of cremations take place along the Kashi ghats.
Although the Ganges water is spiritually pure, it may contain germs and microorganisms due to the immersion of remains.
Bringing this water home could pose health risks, supporting the tradition of avoiding it for domestic use.

4. Religious Beliefs About Sin

Devotees believe that taking water or soil from Kashi may result in sin.
The reasoning is that by removing these elements, one denies the creatures living there the benefit of liberation, which is considered spiritually inappropriate.

While Ganga water is sacred across India, Kashi holds a unique spiritual status. It is primarily associated with salvation, funeral rites, and ancestor offerings. Therefore, devotees are advised not to take Ganga water or soil home from Varanasi to avoid negative energies, spiritual consequences, or health risks.