The Ganges I Have Seen
Originating, like crystal drops, from Gaumukh glaciers,
Colorless, like frank-innocence, later, gleams and glitters;
Mingled with Bhagirathi; melt in Alaknanda, great,
Flows flawlessly as though baiting and defeating the fate...
Vishnu, the supreme, in his dwarf Brahman incarnation,
Took two steps, myths say, with an absolute confirmation;
To cross the universe; when treading the stern step second,
World got holed; thence, Ganges, heavenly-goddess, did descend...
===
Quencher of thirst! Giver of life! Meal of mind and body!
Oxygen source! Coolant of flesh, and blood! Antibody!
Haven of water creatures! Guard of great agriculture!
Source and strength of Mohenjo-daro, Harappan culture!
Greatness of Hindu traditions! Zenith of Hindu faith!
Place of pilgrimage! Entrance to the heavens after death!
Symbol of faith, hope, civilization and mental health!
Absolution of misdemeanors! Harbinger of health...!
===
When I see the Ghats, yet, where dead are burnt in Holy pyres,
Half-burnt bodies eaten by dogs and eagles and vultures;
Like half-fry meat, munched, then, by carps, mullets, and catfishes,
Rest swept away to seas as though fulfilling last wishes...
Abandoned bodies, like sharks, during pandemic, floated,
Not one, two but tens and hundred; as though river flooded;
Though life-taker, the Ganges, is like mother, life-giver,
River named, most holy, on earth, is, perhaps, no other...!
17 December 2021
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