British Physician Confirms Purity of Ganges River

The water of Ganga is extremely pure and sanctifying. No germs can 
flourish in it. This has been tested by various scientists in the 
laboratory. Rich in minerals, this water cures almost all kinds of 
diseases.

Ganga is saturated with antiseptic minerals. Even in the West, doctors 
prescribe Ganga water for rubbing in the treatment of diseases of the 
skin. Ganga is not merely a river. It is a sacred tirtha (place of 
pilgrimage). It is possessed of mysterious powers which are not found 
in any other river in the world. Even scientists have admitted the 
efficacy of the Ganga water.

A British physician, Dr C.E. Nelson, F.R.C.S., tells us of another 
striking fact. He says that ships leaving Calcutta for England take 
water from one of the mouths of the Ganga; and this Ganga water 
remains fresh all the way to England. On the other hand, ships leaving 
England for India find that they must replenish their water supply at 
Port Said, Suez or Aden on the Red Sea. It is no wonder that the 
Indian people should hold that the Ganga is very sacred and possesses 
mysterious powers.

For a Hindu, the word "Ganga" or "Ganges" has its own sacred 
association. Every Hindu thirsts for a dip in the Ganga, and for a 
drop of Her water at the time of death. Aspirants and mendicants build 
their huts on the banks of the Ganga for practicing penance and 
meditation. Bhishma spoke very highly of the glory of Ganga in his 
parting instructions to the Pandavas from his bed of arrows.

Ganga is the form of Lord Vishnu. Her sight is soul-stirring and 
elevating. She flows in the valleys and lives by the side of Parvati, 
daughter of Himavan. How magnificent She is when She flows in the 
valley of Rishikesh! She has a blue colour like that of the ocean. The 
water is extremely clear and sweet. Rich people from the plains get 
water from Rishikesh. They are taken in big copper vessels to far-off 
places in India.