The sanctity and purity of the holy river Narmada are now in danger. Rising from within the hilly ranges of Maikal Parvat in Amarkantak, River Narmada is considered to be the holiest river on earth, holier than river Ganga. Hindu Shastras say that Goddess Ganga who washes away the sins of all people, herself bathes in river Narmada to clean herself.

The sanctity and purity of the very same River Narmada, whose spiritual significance has been described in many spiritual texts, and is home to millions of saints since time immemorial, is now in danger not because of the pilgrims who visit its banks but due to the activity of locals in places like Amarkantak and Omkareshwar.

Locals defecate openly in River Narmada and the same water is worshipped by both saints and pilgrims. Specifically, Kapil Dhara and Doodh Dhara are two places that attract thousands of tourists and pilgrims, but in these places, one cannot help but notice locals defecating openly in river Narmada. Everybody knows about the miraculous spiritual and medicinal properties of the water of river Narmada, but the spiritual effect that attracts devotees and saints is being destroyed by such activities.

The banks of river Narmada are considered to be the best places for spiritual sadhana and is home to thousands of yogi mahatmas. But in recent times, yogi mahatmas and pilgrims visiting these pious spots are disturbed but activities like drinking of alcohol by none other than the local people. If such activities continue, yogi mahatmas who reside in Amarkantak and Omkareshwar would be forced to vacate these pilgrim spots and subsequently the spiritual significance of these areas would end.

The government should look into this matter with urgency and local authorities should take stringent action to protect our holy rivers, and we as individuals, each and every one of us should be aware and do every bit to save our holy rivers, save river Narmada.

Let us all take a pledge to save our rivers.

– Sri Sri Dadaji Maharaj