The Ganges in Myth and History.

Abstract

Pilgrims flock to her shores to cleanse and purify themselves, to cure ailments, and to die that much closer to paradise the author writes of the human experience and the legendary myths that surround the Ganges. The inspiration of poets and artists for centuries, the mysterious Ganga is the essence of the Divine Mother bringing increase and salvation, but also death and destruction. Nowhere are her powers felt more than in Bengal where Hindu and Moslem practices coalesce in worship of the capricious Ganga. Here the shifting riverbed of the great Ganges has built and plague as well as life and benediction to the people. While collection material for this book, Dr.Darian lived by the Ganges, explored her shores, and was a pilgrim to the Ganga Sagar festival at Sagar Island off Calcutta where the sacred river and the ocean merge.