Since the earliest known times,the Ganges river has represented a sacred force to the people of India.Indians also call it ganga or mother ganga.Its the world "s third largest river. The Hindus believe that the river is the most sacred body of water.Many stories from the Hindu scripture occur along the river and it is believed that more than once, the Hindu gods drank from it. The Hindu believe that the river came to the earth from heaven.It is believed that an Indian king Bhagiratha pleaded with **** Brahma a powerful god to bring the river to earth but because the river was too powerful and could destroy the earth if it flows through it,king begged **** Shiva to contain it. The Hindu believe that the river can cleanse the body and soul.They use the river to cleanse ritual objects,symbolically purify themselves before rituals and prayers.They also use the river to help with illnesses. Pilgrims also believe that dissolving the remains of their deceased in the river will make him go to Paradise. Honestly, I believe everything about the river is make believe..religion has a way of coming up with stories and hogwash and people still buy them..it amazes me