Why is it advised to not carry Gangajal from Kashi (Varanasi)

In Hinduism, there is a different level of respect given to the various rivers. And out of all the most sacred is the Ganga. And simply, Gangajal is the water that people get from the river Ganga. Gangajal was and is considered to be sacred and purifying, and has the capability to wash the sins and purify the soul, be it living or dead. Many believe that Gangajal has the power to help the soul attain moksha and when sprinkled around the home or a space, it can cleanse the energies that reside in it.

Gangajal is used in many different ways. Devotees sprinkle it in their homes after daily puja to purify the environment, add a little to their bath water to cleanse themselves, offer it to the deities in the home temple, and much more.

Along with this, Gangajal is also important during births, marriages, and especially in death rituals. Gangajal is placed in the mouth of the deceased to make sure that the soul reaches heaven and has a safe afterlife.

Haridwar, in Uttarakhand, is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. Plus, it is said that Gangajal from Haridwar is the most pure and pious. In fact, there are so many researches that have been done in Haridwar about the properties of Gangajal.
In Haridwar, there is ‘Har Ki Pauri ghat’, where it is believed that Lord Vishnu left his footprint and is extremely important for devotees. And so, whenever people go to Haridwar, they come back with buckets and large containers of Gangajal to keep for themselves and for their family and friends.

Away from Uttarakhand is Kashi, the sacred city which is also considered to be one of the oldest in the world. Kashi too is located on the banks of river Ganga but people do not carry Gangajal from Kashi. It is surprising because people come from great distances to burn the deceased in Manikarnika ghat, but do not carry Gangajal from there. Why? Read on to know.

Manikarnika ghat in Kashi is one of the most famous cremation sites in India. It is also the place where cremation rituals are performed around the clock as it is believed that those who are cremated here attain moksha. But, the continuous cremations result in the release of ash and other remains into the Ganga river, which can pollute the water and will result in people carrying an essence of the dead along with them, to their home. And so, it is best avoided to take Gangajal from Kashi.

Another story that is famous about not taking Gangjal from Kashi is that people advise to not take it from Manikarnika or the closer ghats, but it is alright to take it from others, where the remains of the dead cannot flow to. As Manikarnika ghat is the one where innumerable dead bodies are cremated throughout the day, it is natural for some form of ashes or remains to flow through, and so, it is best to not take that water to your home.

Another reason that is given as to why people should not take Gangajal from Kashi is that people come to Kashi, dead or alive, to attain Moksha. And so, when the deceased are burned on the pyre and their ashes are cremated or dissolved in the Ganga, it is a part of the soul that is being offered to river Ganga. And so, if by chance you happen to take Gangajal from Kashi, and in that water are parts, ashes, or remains of a deceased soul, you are going to be an obstacle in their journey to moksha. Collecting and taking this water away from Kashi will disrupt the cycle of death and rebirth, the soul might not completely attain moksha, and will pose a problem for you later.