Has the Ganga Protected India from Multiple Epidemics?

In Hinduism, Ganga water is considered sacred and believed to have the power to wash away a person’s sins. This is a religious and spiritual belief, but what about the scientific side of Ganga water? Can it be proved scientifically that Ganga water has special properties?

“When I entered Banaras(Varanasi) that day, a refreshing, paradise-like breeze blew from the east, calming my body and filling my heart with new energy. The powerful effect of that wind made me feel strong, like a flag of victory. The cool air swept away the weakness from my body.” (GHALIB)

Mirza Ghalib was one of the most prominent poets in Urdu and Persian. He is often regarded as the greatest poet in the history of Urdu literature. His full name was Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, and he was born in 1797 in Agra, India.

Were Ghalib’s thoughts beautiful only from a literary perspective, or did they reflect the long-standing reverence Hindus have for the river Ganga? Or, did they also have a scientific basis?

Bishop Haber

His Observations on Varanasi:

Bishop Haber, a British clergyman and the Bishop of Kolkata, traveled to India in 1845 to better understand the country. During his visit to several major cities along the banks of the Ganga, he spent some time in Varanasi and observed the health and lifestyle of the people living there.

Health of People:

Despite the city’s dense population, Bishop Haber was impressed by the good health of the residents. He noted that communicable diseases were not spreading in the area.

Water Management:

He highlighted that Varanasi had effective water management systems which contributed to the good health of the residents.

Daily Bathing and Simple Lifestyle:

According to him, the reason for the lack of epidemics in the city was the people’s daily bathing habits and simple, healthy lifestyle. Most residents of Varanasi at that time used well water or water from the Ganga for their daily bathing rituals.

MARK TWAIN

Mark Twain mentioned a surprising scientific discovery during his visit to Banaras. Mr. Henkin’s research offers a remarkable insight into the purifying properties of the Ganga water, which aligns with the long-held belief of Hindus regarding its sacred nature.

Key Findings:

Water from Contaminated Areas:

Henkin tested the water from areas near the mouths of sewers at the bathing ghats in Benares, which was heavily contaminated with millions of germs. Despite this contamination, after six hours, all the germs were dead.

Water Near a Floating Corpse:

He also tested water near a floating corpse, which was swarming with cholera germs. Once again, after six hours, the germs died off. Henkin repeated this process multiple times by adding cholera germs to the water, and in every case, they perished within six hours.

Comparison with Well Water:

In contrast, Henkin tested pure well water that had no life. When he introduced cholera germs into the well water, the germs immediately began to multiply, increasing manifolds in numbers within six hours. This demonstrated that Ganga water had a unique ability to eliminate harmful bacteria, unlike regular water sources.

Presence of Ninja Viruses:

Recent research has uncovered a fascinating discovery regarding the presence of Ninja viruses in the Ganga water. These viruses, aptly named “Ninja” due to their ability to target and eliminate harmful bacteria, add another layer of wonder to the sacred river’s already well-established reputation for purification.

Phosphorus Content:

Ganga water is also rich in phosphorus, a chemical element essential for life. Phosphorus is known for its ability to prevent spoilage, and it is one of the reasons why water from the Ganga, when kept in a vessel, does not spoil quickly.

Conclusion:

The Ganga River has long been regarded as sacred, and its scientific properties only further highlight its significance. It serves as a life-giving resource for millions of people. Not only does its water help in irrigation and drinking, but it also protects human health by preventing the spread of diseases. The combination of Ninja viruses and phosphorus makes Ganga a natural purifier, which, combined with the traditions surrounding it, continues to be a vital source of life for many communities in India.

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