GOMATI My Haj (Muslim Pilgrimage) is on the banks of Gomati, where lives my Pir (Guru) of yellow garments (i.e Krishna). (Asa Sri Kabir, p. 478) Gomati is a river in Uttar Pradesh. The Sikh Gurus and radical saints do not believe in religious rituals. Kabir, in the reference given above, is critical of going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Wherever the Name of the Lord is uttered and His Praises are sung, that is only the pilgrim station for him. In this reference he måkes a mention of the Gomati river and Lord Krishna, rising above the communal prejudices.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
The Gomati River holds a sacred place in Hindu mythology and is revered for its spiritual significance. It is mentioned in ancient texts like the Rigveda and the Mahabharata, where it is celebrated as a purifier and a source of divine blessings.
Mythological Significance of Gomati
- Sacred Origins: According to some accounts, the Gomati River is believed to have divine origins. It is said to be a manifestation of Kauśiki, the sister of the sage Vishvamitra, who was cursed and transformed into the river. This highlights the river’s connection to penance and redemption.
- Association with Rituals: The Mahabharata mentions that drinking the waters of the Gomati or performing rituals on its banks can cleanse one of sins. It is also said that Lord Rama conducted the Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ritual) on the banks of this river.
- Connection to Varuna: In some texts, the goddess Gomati, the presiding deity of the river, is described as residing in the court of Varuna, the god of water. This association underscores the river’s divine status and its role in maintaining cosmic balance.
- Modern Identification: The Gomati River is identified as a tributary of the Ganges, flowing through Uttar Pradesh, India. It is particularly significant in regions like Lucknow, where it is considered a lifeline for the local population. Symbolism in Hindu Philosophy
The Gomati River symbolizes purity, renewal, and the flow of life. Its waters are believed to carry spiritual energy, making it a site for rituals and pilgrimages. The river’s mythology emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, transformation, and the eternal connection between nature and the divine.
