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BJP MP's Query On The Origins Of Ganga Leaves Lok Sabha Amused

BJP MP's Query On The Origins Of Ganga Leaves Lok Sabha Amused
ALLAHABAD, INDIA - 2015/03/02: Hindu devotee offering prayers after takes holy bath in the Sangam confluence of three rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on the occasion of Maghi Purnima festival, last bathing day of one month Magh mela festival in Allahabad. (Photo by Ravi Prakash/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Pacific Press via Getty Images
ALLAHABAD, INDIA - 2015/03/02: Hindu devotee offering prayers after takes holy bath in the Sangam confluence of three rivers the Ganga, the Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on the occasion of Maghi Purnima festival, last bathing day of one month Magh mela festival in Allahabad. (Photo by Ravi Prakash/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

NEW DELHI — A question by a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha about the origins of Ganga and the "effects" of bathing in it left many members amused today as the minister quoted a legend to say that King Bhagirath had brought it.

When the question was asked by Prabhatsinh Pratapsinh Chauhan, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan too wondered: "What is this? Is this a question?".

Chauhan raised the issue when the Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat was replying to supplementaries during the Question Hour.

"I want to know who brought the Ganga, why did he bring it?... What effects does bathing in it have," he asked.

This odd question left many members smiling while some others were seen having an apparently surprised look on their faces.

Jat said it was a "historical" matter and added it is known that Bhagirath had brought the river for the welfare of the masses. "Worship is done there," he added.

According to scriptures, Bhagirath had propitiated lord Shiva to have the holy river brought down to earth from the heaven.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.