Page 3 - BOAT BOOK PG 1-20
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The Ganga
Ganga is the most sacred river for the Hindus and it is perhaps the most important part of
Indian mythology. This also means different names and different cultures, bound by one river.
Origin
Ganga River originates at Gaumukh near Gangotri in the Indian Himalayas (Uttarakhand) and is
known as Bhagirathi. The name changes to Ganga at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda River
meets the Bhagirathi. Alaknanda is the main hydrological source of the river, but the origin is
considered as Bhagirathi, based on Hindu mythology. Gaumukh is at the foot of Tapovan, or
feet of Mount Shivling and is considered as residing in the matted locks of Shiva.
Route and Tributaries
At Rishikesh, the River takes shape of the Gangetic Plains. The next main river to join Ganga is
the Yamuna, at Prayagraj. The Sangam at Praygraj is also called Triveni, where the underneath
river Saraswati also joins in. The Sangam (confluence) of three rivers at Prayagraj is considered
holy.
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