One of India’s most sacred rivers, the Ganga (or
the Ganges) originates in the Himalayas at Gaumukh. Legend has it
that the Ganga originated from the mythical Mountain Meru believed
to be located at the core of the universe, and also considered to
be the abode of gods.
A few drops of Ganga jal (water) on a dying Hindu’s lips are
said to earn the latter a permanent abode in heaven. Furthermore,
Hindus believe that if the ashes of the dead are immersed in the
Ganga, their souls break free from the cycle of birth and rebirth
and attain nirvana. The three most revered towns situated on the
banks of the Ganga are Haridwar, Allahabad and the Varanasi.
