Why do we call rivers as a lok mata
Answers
The Ganga river, also known as the Ganges and lok-mata("mother of the people") is a major river (length: about 1500 miles) of the Indian subcontinent, formed in the southern ranges of the Himalayas, in the state of Uttrakhand of India. The Ganges river basin (a.k.a. Gangetic plains) is one of the most fertile regions of the world and also one of the most densely populated, lies between the Himalayas and the Vindhya ranges embracing an area of more than 1 million sq. kms.
Ganga river features prominently in Indian classics and folklore -- from Vedas to Bollywood. The descent of Ganga from heaven to earth has been glorified in great works of Indian art and literature. Many popular movies in India revolve around the mystique of the river, so are popular songs. "I live where Ganga flows" (Jis desh mein Ganga behti hai) is a particular favorite.
The Ganges is regarded by Hindus as the most sacred river in the world. It is said that Lord Vishnu (Hari) himself bathed in Ganga (hence the name Haridwar) to purify himself. Ganga is revered as daughter of Meru, as the mother of Bhishma, and Jahnavi (emerging from the thighs of sage Jahnu).
Many important religious ceremonies are held in cities on its banks, including Varanasi, Haridwar, and Allahabad. The water of Ganga (called Gangajal) is stored in most Indian homes as "sacred water" and fed to those on death-bed as the "last meal" on earth. Gangajal is also the base for many traditional medicines of India.