In the tradition of Hinduism, there is a practice of ancestor worship and conducting Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha. Our deceased relatives are called Pitrus. The physical farewell to ancestors takes place at cremation grounds. However, many wonder why most of these places are located on the banks of rivers. Although some cremation grounds have been built among residential areas due to population growth and decreasing available land, all old cremation grounds in Hinduism are traditionally located near water.
Vivid examples of this include Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, ghats in Haridwar, and burial sites in the Sangam area of Prayagraj.
According to Hindu philosophy, the human body consists of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. After death, the body decomposes into these elements. Through fire, the physical form returns to nature, and the tradition of scattering the remaining ashes and bones in water is considered a symbol of the completion of this natural cycle.
From a religious perspective, water is viewed as a symbol of purity, life, and sanctity. Water plays a critically important role in all Hindu rites, from birth to death. Among the five elements, water has the ability to quickly absorb energy. This is why ancient sages practiced meditation while holding water in their palms.
From a scientific perspective, the human body is mainly composed of water and organic substances. During cremation, high temperatures cause water to evaporate from the body, and most organic substances turn into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gaseous compounds. The mineral components of the body do not completely turn into gas; minerals primarily associated with calcium and phosphorus, as well as small amounts of potassium, sodium, and other minerals, remain in the ash.
After cremation, the ashes and bones retain their significance, and the tradition of scattering them in water persists. Scientifically, it can be stated that water does not simply absorb these remains magically; some soluble minerals may dissolve in water, while other particles settle in the bottom sediments. Thus, the substances gradually become part of the natural ecological cycle. This is why the custom of bathing after burial exists.
In ancient times, most cities were located on the banks of rivers. The river served as the main source of drinking water, for agriculture, transport, and daily life. Open space was also available on the riverbanks, making the area suitable for conducting burials. Over time, ghats were created in these locations, which became an integral part of religious and social life.
