Why were 25,000 flesh-eating turtles released into the Ganges back in the day? (Credit: Instagram, Facebook)
\n\nCremating a body by the ghats of Varanasi, in Hindu faith, is believed to help the soul achieve Moksha – which is the complete liberation from the endless cycle of death and reincarnation. The city of Lord Shiva – Him being the God of creation and destruction – is considered to be the holiest of thresholds to passing over. As a matter of fact, it is staunchly believed that Mahadev Himself whispers the taraka mantra into the ear of every person cremated here, liberating them from earthy bounds.
\n\nOne thing about this belief and the ritualistic ecosystem it has birthed, is that the sentiments holding it up, don't need to be defined. The question of the Ganges ecosystem however? It needs more expanding on than ever. And an important detail in this regard, is the fact that several cremations done by the Ganges ghats are actually incomplete, given that it takes anywhere between 300 to 500 kilograms of wood, burning over 6 hours, to fully cremate a body. The result is that many of these cremations may just be symbolic, leaving behind half-cremated corpses…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle
