Here is a list of the top 12 rivers in India, based on their length and importance:
- Ganges: The longest and most important river in India, with a length of over 2,500 kilometers. It is a sacred river in Hinduism and is worshipped as the goddess Ganga.
- Brahmaputra: The second-longest river in India, with a length of over 1,800 kilometers. It flows through the northeastern states of India and into Bangladesh.
- Indus: The third-longest river in India, with a length of over 1,100 kilometers. It originates in the Tibetan plateau and flows through the northern states of India and into Pakistan.
- Godavari: The largest river in southern India, with a length of over 1,000 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the goddess Godavari.
- Krishna: A major river in southern India, with a length of over 900 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the god Krishna.
- Cauvery: A major river in southern India, with a length of over 800 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the goddess Cauvery.
- Narmada: A river in central India, with a length of over 1,300 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the goddess Narmada.
- Mahanadi: A river in eastern India, with a length of over 800 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the god Mahanadi.
- Tapi: A river in western India, with a length of over 700 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the goddess Tapi.
- Yamuna: A tributary of the Ganges, with a length of over 1,400 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the goddess Yamuna.
- Sutlej: A tributary of the Indus, with a length of over 1,500 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the god Sutlej.
- Ravi: A tributary of the Chenab, with a length of over 800 kilometers. It is considered to be a sacred river by Hindus and is worshipped as the god Ravi.
There are many rivers in India, and the exact number can vary depending on how rivers are defined and counted. India is home to several major river systems, including the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, the Indus, the Godavari, the Krishna, and the Cauvery.
Rivers are of great importance to India for both practical and spiritual reasons. From a practical standpoint, rivers are a crucial source of water for irrigation, drinking, and domestic use. They also support a rich diversity of plant and animal life and provide important habitat for many species.
In addition to their practical importance, rivers also hold great spiritual significance in India. Many rivers, including the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, the Godavari, and the Cauvery, are considered to be sacred by Hindus and are worshipped as deities. These rivers are believed to have purifying and healing powers, and millions of pilgrims visit their banks each year to bathe in their holy waters.
Rivers are also an important part of the cultural and artistic traditions of India. The banks of rivers are often the site of important religious festivals and ceremonies, and rivers are often depicted in art and literature as symbols of life and spiritual purity. Overall, rivers play a central role in the lives of many Indians and are of great importance to the country.