The Tale of Two Rivers Sarayu and Phalgu- Holy Yet Cursed

The rivers Sarayu and Falgu, both rivers of mythological and religious importance, are a part of the Ganga Brahmaputra Meghna (GBM) Basin. The rivers are intrinsically associated with the major Hindu epic Ramayana. As in ancient times, they continue to be just as important in the present-day scenario as also their association with the cities of Ayodhya and Gaya respectively. The reason for researching these two rivers is primarily because of the growing importance of the river Sarayu in the current day context associated with the building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and that of river Falgu which has always been important in Hinduism as it appears to open the door to the ultimate salvation of the soul (“pind-daan”) as it gently flows past the ancient city of Gaya. As represented in the Ramayana both the rivers though holy have been cursed by Lord Shiva and Sita respectively hence making them Holy Yet Cursed.