The "four rivers" can refer to different sets of rivers depending on the context. Two prominent interpretations include the rivers mentioned in the Old Testament's Garden of Eden and those that water the world in Hindu scripture.
The Four Rivers of the Garden of Eden
In the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Genesis, four rivers are described as branching out from a single river that flowed out of the Garden of Eden. These rivers are integral to the mythical geography of paradise.
Here are the four rivers of the Garden of Eden:
| River Name | Description / Significance |
|---|---|
| Pishon | Described as flowing around the whole land of Havilah, known for its gold, bdellium, and onyx stone. |
| Gihon | Said to flow around the whole land of Cush. |
| Tigris | One of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, often identified with the modern-day Tigris River. |
| Euphrates | The longest and historically most important river of Western Asia, identified with the modern-day Euphrates River. |
The exact locations of the Pishon and Gihon rivers remain subjects of theological and geographical debate, while the Tigris and Euphrates are well-known rivers in the Middle East.
The Four Rivers in Hindu Scripture
In Hindu scriptures, particularly the Puranas, four rivers are sometimes mentioned as originating from the mythical Mount Meru, flowing to water and purify various parts of the world. These rivers hold significant spiritual and geographical importance in ancient Indian cosmology.
Here are the four rivers typically referenced in Hindu scripture:
| River Name | Description / Significance |
|---|---|
| Ganges | A trans-boundary river of Asia, considered the most sacred river in Hinduism, originating from the Himalayas. |
| Indus | One of the longest rivers in Asia, originating in Tibet and flowing through India and Pakistan. |
| Oxus | The historical name for the Amu Darya, a major river in Central Asia. |
| Śita | A mythical river, often associated with the Tarim River in Central Asia, believed to flow through various lands. |
These rivers symbolize the life-giving and purifying essence of water, vital to both physical and spiritual well-being in Hindu philosophy.
