The dharma of water

For those of us who believe that sustainable development is a contemporary concept, there is evidence to suggest otherwise. Many ancient scriptures in India clearly exemplify the relationship between humans and nature.

Dharma, as per our scriptures, was a code of conduct that promoted ecological balance and environmental purity. Nature, prakriti was treated as the visible manifestation of the supreme being, the other half of man (purush). The two together were the cosmic regulators of the creation.

Water management as we know today was intrinsically embedded into our traditions. Water, in these scriptures, has been described in revering terms, as the following examples show:

Matsya Puraan, Chapter 154, Verses 511 & 512

'The Godess says':
"If a person constructs a water-well in a dry region, he will live in paradise for as many years as the number of drops of water in that well." (511)

"If one creates a water-tank, one earns the benefit accruing from creating ten wells. One lake created earns the boon earned from creating ten tanks, a good son born gives the benefit of ten tanks but planting one fruit tree gives the benefit of producing ten good offspring." (512)

Mahabharat, Anushasan Parva – Chapter 96 (The teachings of Bhishma to Arjun), Verse 31

"Therefore, for one who desires his well being, it is always beneficial for him to plant beneficial trees around lakes excavated by him and look after them as though they were his own offsprings, because in the eyes of Dharma they actually are so."

Mahabharat, Daan Dharma Parva of Anushasan, Yudhishthir asks Bhishma about the benefits accruing from construction of water reservoirs. Bhishma replies,

"O king, like the auspicious sight of the jewel bedecked Kuber, heaven's treasurer, so is the sight of one who has created a water reservoir. In all the three worlds is he respected and worshipped.

Creating a reservoir is a noble act and brings fame. It provides a peaceful home to the creator, here, as well as, in paradise. It enhances riches, as well as, the dwelling comforts of one's son.

The wise have declared that water lakes or reservoirs enhance the three noble needs Dharma, economic prosperity and aspirations. A water reservoir is like God's gift materialised in a physical form and benefits the entire region.

I regard a lake as beneficial to all the four types of life (those born from an egg, those born of paired unions, those born in water and those reborn). All lakes in the country produce noble wealth.

All forms — Gods, humans, Gandharvas, Nagas, devils, present and past souls – seek the shelter of water reservoirs to manifest and conceal.

I am describing the quality and benefit of water reservoirs to you for these reasons, and also for the boons to their creator, as narrated by the wise.

A reservoir that remains full for a whole year gives the benefit of performing the fire offering called Agnihotra every day of the year.

The benefit from a reservoir where water is retained throughout the summer month is equal to one accruing from a Vajpeya Yajna (a superior type of fire ceremony).

A reservoir in which monks and cows quench their thirst provides a better life, here and after, to the entire clan of its creator.

The boons from performing an Ashwamedha Yajna (fire ceremony of self-sacrifice, charity, and offerings) accrue from a reservoir that is meant for quenching the thirst of cows, thirsty wild animals, birds and humans