Rivers have maintained their purity for many years. If we talk about rivers, Saryu river has its own history and identity and on hearing its name, the mind reaches the city of Ram. Geographically, Saryu River is actually a tributary of Sharda River. It is also known as Sarju. This river continues its flow through the land of Uttar Pradesh after separating from the Sharda River in Uttarakhand. Therefore it is a major source of water for the population of Uttar Pradesh. The Saryu River originates mainly in the Himalayan foothills and becomes a tributary of the Sharda River. Not only this, passing through the major tourist destinations of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, this river flows for the next 350 km. The Saryu River is one of the most prominent water courses in Uttar Pradesh, originating from the Sarmul-district in the extreme north of the Bageshwar Himalayas, Uttarakhand. The Saryu River is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas and Ramayana. It is one of the seven tributaries of the Ganges river. While holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada created their own place, Saryu river witnessed the journey of Lord Shri Ram from his exile period till his return to Ayodhya. Ayodhya – Birth place of Lord Shri Ram in Treta Yuga and capital of the state Ayodhya is situated on the banks of river Saryu, thus it is of utmost importance in India.

Why did Ram take water samadhi in Saryu?

The process of renouncing hopes, attachments etc. by Sanatani saints and sacrificing their body in water at the end of their life is called Jal Samadhi. Shri Ram was born on earth as Maryada Purushottam, hence his death was also certain. There are different stories regarding the death of Shri Ram. According to Padma Purana, Lord Shri Ram had taken Samadhi of his own free will in the Saryu River. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu came to earth in the form of Lord Shri Ram to end the tyranny of Lankapati Ravana. When Shri Ram had abandoned Mother Sita even after proving her purity and after that, Mother Sita handed over her sons Luv and Kush to Lord Shri Ram and buried herself in the earth. It is said that Lord Shri Ram became sad due to Sita going away and with the consent of Yamraj, he took Jal Samadhi at Guptar Ghat of Saryu River.



According to another story, once Yamdev entered Ayodhya in the form of a saint. Yamdev, taking the form of a saint, told Lord Shri Ram that there would be a secret conversation between us. Yamraj put a condition before Shri Ram that if anyone comes into the room during our conversation then the gatekeeper will get death penalty. Lord Ram gave a promise to Yamraj and appointed Lakshman as the gatekeeper.
Meanwhile, sage Durvasa reaches there and insists on meeting Shri Ram but Lakshman refuses to let him inside because he is committed. Sage Durvasa gets angry at this and talks about cursing Lord Rama. In such a situation, Lakshman allowed sage Durvasa to enter the room without worrying about his life.
The talks between Lord Shri Ram and Yamraj get interrupted. Due to breaking his promise, Shri Ram expelled Lakshman from the kingdom. To fulfill the promise of his brother Ram, Lakshman took water samadhi in the Saryu river. Lord Rama became very sad when Lakshman took water samadhi and he also decided to take water samadhi. At the time when Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi, Hanuman, Jamwant, Sugriva, Bharat, Shatrughan etc. were present there.

Why is Saryu River cursed?

The Saryu river flowing near Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, is considered a cursed river. But do you know why this river is cursed and why the water of this river is not included in the prayer and worship. If you read the Uttara Kanda of Ramayana, it is clearly written in it that Saryu is a cursed river. One does not even get the virtue of taking a bath in it. Worship of Saryu is prohibited, Aarti is prohibited. So there is a reason for Saryu being prohibited. Shri Ram had taken Samadhi in Saryu river on his own wish.

Why did Shiva curse Saryu?

It is well known that Lord Ramchandra ji along with his three brothers had ended their life by taking water samadhi in Saryu and along with them, every particle of that Ayodhya, even the living beings and insects, got absorbed in Saryu and that Ayodhya was destroyed. Had gone. That’s why Lord Shiva cursed Saryu, O Saryu? Now if anyone even touches your water, it will be a part of hell. Your water will not be included in any puja, no one will worship you. Because you have become the cause of the death of Lord Rama. Valmiki writes that after receiving this terrible curse, the Saryu river fell at the feet of Lord Shiva. Languages. Lord, whatever happened, happened because of the provisions of law. There is no fault of mine in this. Then Lord Shiva said to Saryu, I only give you this much freedom that if someone takes bath in your water, he will not commit sin. But you will not get any virtue either.
This curse is still applicable on Saryu river. Wherever a Yagya is performed, water from seven rivers is brought for it. Saryu is not included among the seven rivers from which water is brought. No event like Kumbh or Ardh Kumbh is held on the banks of Saryu. Saryu water is not included in the worship of any temple in Ayodhya. All rivers are worshipped, but not Saryu. Knowledgeable sages and saints do not go to Saryu and take bath.