Brahmaputra

 

Rooted in spiritual traditions and scientific studies—regarding the origin of the Ganga. Many Hindus believe that the Ganga descends from the locks of Lord Shiva, who is said to reside at Mount Kailash. This belief links the river’s origin to Kailash Mansarovar. This view is supported by various scriptures and oral traditions, which describe the Ganga as flowing from the heavens through Shiva’s hair, symbolically connecting it to Kailash. As noted by SC Bahuguna, secretary of the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy, “several scriptures speak about the Ganga and Mansarovar being connected” 

The conflict is not antagonistic—it’s a conflict of interpretation:

Spiritual traditions see the Ganga as divine, flowing from Kailash.Scientific studies trace its physical origin to Gaumukh.Cultural narratives often blend both, creating a rich tapestry of belief and geography.

This tension reflects a broader them: the coexistence of faith and fact, and the need to respect both without diminishing either.

The river that originates and move across from Lake Mansaroval is Brahmaputra. 

The Brahmaputra originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Lake Manasarovar, close to Mount Kailash in the Burang County of Tibet. In its upper reaches, it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo River 1. This sacred region is also the source of other major rivers like the Indus, Sutlej, and Karnali, making it a cradle of transnational water systems.

Its Journey Across Borders

The river’s journey is a majestic and complex one:

Tibet: Flowing eastward as the Yarlung Tsangpo, it carves through the Himalayas in dramatic gorges, including the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

India: Entering Arunachal Pradesh near the village of Gelling, it becomes the Siang and later the Brahmaputra as it flows through Assam. Here, it nourishes the fertile plains and supports rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Bangladesh: Known as the Jamuna, it merges with the Ganges (Padma) and eventually becomes the Meghna, emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Approximately 3,080 km (1,910 miles) is it's length, with an elevation at Source: ~5,210 m (17,090 ft). With a Basin Size of Over 625,000 km² it travells across China, India, Bangladesh 

Brahmaputra’s journey is that of both a giver of life and a witness to human conflict and reverence.

Brahmaputra is widely regarded as one of the only two rivers in India considered masculine, the other being the Son River. This belief stands in contrast to the general reverence of rivers in India as feminine entities—like the Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, and Narmada—who are worshipped as divine mothers.

The gendering of rivers in Indian tradition is deeply symbolic and often tied to mythology and local beliefs. The Brahmaputra’s masculine identity is linked to its name, which means “Son of Brahma.” According to legends, the river was born from the sweat of Lord Shiva, collected by Brahma in a vessel and released as a river—hence the name Brahmaputra.

This mythological origin sets it apart from other rivers that are personified as goddesses. The Brahmaputra is also known for its ferocity and unpredictable nature, especially during the monsoon, which further reinforces its masculine symbolism in folklore and oral traditions.

The river is referenced in the Vedas and Puranas, where its masculine traits are emphasised. Unlike the nurturing and life-giving qualities attributed to female rivers, the Brahmaputra is often portrayed as powerful, assertive, and untamed.