As a child, I always wondered why water is such an essential part of all the Pujas in Hinduism. In temples, the priests would offer Charamrit—water purified by the blessings of deities. At home, after a Puja or Havan, water charged with positive energy is sprinkled throughout the house, on objects to be blessed. Similarly, during Kirtan assemblies, water is sprinkled over attendees as a blessing. Conversely, in mythology, sages like Muni Durvasa used water to amplify the potency of their curses.
Water, the elixir of life, holds significance beyond physical sustenance; it serves as a medium capable of absorbing and retaining both positive and negative energies. While ancient seers revered its duality for spiritual and ritualistic purposes, today, humanity faces the dual crises of water contamination and societal negativity. Revisiting these ancient insights offers profound perspectives, particularly for someone like me, who spent decades as a Water Resources Engineer. Let us delve into the fascinating metaphysical dimensions of water.
My First Interaction with the Qualities of Water
In 1967, during my tenth grade, our English textbook featured Dr. C.V. Raman’s essay, Water—The Elixir of Life. Dr. Raman eloquently described water as Earth’s most indispensable liquid, vital for sustaining humans, plants, and animals. He celebrated water’s beauty—how streams and ponds enhance the countryside’s charm—and emphasized its pivotal role in agriculture and ecosystems.
Dr. Raman also highlighted water’s duality: a life-giver and a potential destroyer, underscoring humanity’s duty to conserve it. His critique of India’s over-reliance on erratic monsoons remains relevant today. His timeless call to action for water conservation deeply resonated with me and later influenced my career. As a water resources engineer, I witnessed firsthand the deteriorating river water quality—a topic I explored in my blog, The Irritating Yamuna Stink—How Will It Go?
Despite focusing on water’s physical properties like quality, quantity, and conservation, the metaphysical dimensions of water remain largely unexplored. This blog seeks to address that gap.
Water as an Energy Conduit
The Upanishads and the Vedas often describe water as a purifying and sanctifying element. A verse from the Taittiriya Samhita (1.8.6) states:
“आपः शान्तिः शमयन्तु मे”
(Aapah Shaantih Shamayanthu Me)
“May the waters bring me peace.”
This verse portrays water as more than a physical substance; it embodies tranquility, absorbing chaos and restoring balance. Rituals involving water consecrated with mantras aimed to harmonize energies within and around individuals.
Similarly, the Atharva Veda (6.41.1) says:
“आपः पुनन्तु पृथिवीं पृथिवी पुनातु माम्”
(Aapah Punantu Prithiveem Prithivi Punatu Maam)
“May the waters cleanse the earth, and may the earth cleanse me.”
This verse reflects the interconnectedness of nature, emphasizing water’s dual role in cleansing both the physical and spiritual realms.
Indian mythology underscores water’s duality. The Mahabharata recounts rituals to neutralize Sage Durvasa’s curse on Indra, and the Puranas describe the Ganga as a sanctifier, capable of absorbing sins. Water emerges as an energy conduit, capable of carrying both blessings and curses.
Modern science, however, has largely dismissed such notions due to limited empirical evidence. An intriguing yet controversial exception is Masaru Emoto’s research.
Masaru Emoto’s Hypothesis: Water and Human Emotions
Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, proposed that water molecules respond to emotions, words, and intentions. In his book, The Hidden Messages in Water (1999), Emoto argued that water exposed to positive affirmations formed intricate, beautiful crystals when frozen, whereas negativity caused chaotic, distorted structures.
Though celebrated in spiritual circles, Emoto’s work faced scientific criticism for its lack of reproducibility and subjective crystal selection. However, his ideas sparked global discussions on the interplay between human consciousness and physical matter, inspiring the Emoto Peace Project. This initiative educates children about water’s importance and its symbolic connection to love and gratitude.
While mainstream science remains sceptical, Emoto’s theories have influenced alternative healing practices, blending ancient spiritual beliefs with speculative science.
Water Quality and Negativity: A Modern Nexus
Today, water’s purity is under severe threat. Pollution from industries, agriculture, and untreated sewage has degraded water quality. Societal apathy towards this crisis mirrors a broader decay in human values. Ancient teachings like those in the Atharva Veda, which highlight the inseparability of earth and water purification, prompt a pressing question:
How can water purify us when it is itself impure?
The verse “आपः शान्तिः शमयन्तु मे” reminds us of water’s tranquilizing power. However, this power diminishes when water is polluted, both physically and metaphorically. Restoring water’s purity is now an urgent challenge.
Reviving Respect for Water
To address these challenges, we must embrace the reverence our ancestors held for water. Simple rituals like offering water with gratitude, conserving it, and preventing wastage can foster a deeper connection with nature.
The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 50) states:
“योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्”
(Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam)
“Excellence in action arises from mindfulness.”
Mindfulness in conserving water—through sustainable practices and a respect for its sacredness—can restore its vitality.
Humanity’s exploitation of nature has provoked retaliation: landslides, floods, diseases, polluted air, and damaged ecosystems. Yet, we refuse to learn. It is time to act with responsibility.
Conclusion: Water’s Eternal Role
Water, as extolled in ancient scriptures, transcends its physical utility. Its ability to absorb and transmit energies symbolizes its spiritual significance. As we confront modern challenges, let us honour these timeless teachings. By protecting and purifying water, we can ensure its sacred role endures, carrying life’s energies forward.
Inspire Positivity 