Dharma has been the guiding pathway for an individual before law and statutory provisions came to regulate and govern the human behavior and activities. Dharma is the light to guide one not only in relation to the social behavior with another human but also how to co-exist with the Nature and eco system. Almost all the holy scriptures have enumerated the dictums to be abided by their followers or disciples in order to protect, conserve and preserve the Mother Nature. In my blog I will be referring to Hinduism in special reference to conservation and protection of ‘Water’.
Three fourth part of the Earth’s surface is water and its significance is clearly depicted in Hindu religion in various scriptures and Manusmriti. To begin, the rivers in general parlance are referred as holy and some specific rivers are considered sacred enough to wash away the sins of the one who takes the holy bath in it, some spring are considered to have the medicinal properties which can cure the diseases. The rivers and distributaries from the great Himalayas are considered pious and there are mythological stories and hymns dedicated glorifying their importance and origin (Atharvaveda).The Water pollution and the purity of water have also been discussed in the Sankha 16, where it has been stated that the flowing water is always pure. There also have been a list of acts which have been strictly prohibited in the water or any river body as it shall make the same polluted and unfit for use and consumption. The Prayasittatatva states acts of restrictions in or near the river Ganga namely: excreating, brushing, gargling, throwing dirty clothes and dry garlands; washing clothes; swimming. Manusmriti further elaborates that one should not urine, throw stool or cough or anything spurious or contaminated in water and no poison or blood should be thrown in river. There has also been a mention in Bandhyana Dharmasastra of not consuming the water that has bubbles or foam or is salty or muddy or has a bad taste and smell as it may cause diseases of body or mind in a human.
From the above facts it can be well concluded that the importance and significance of water and Nature on a wider connotation has been the concern from the time immemorial and undefined and it has become pertinent that we take the call for the protection of water on an individual level as well rather than only waiting for such implementation by law.
