Temples and places of worship of the civilization of the 7 rivers on the Sarasvatî

The civilization of the 7 rivers, often identified with the Indus Valley, remains surrounded by mysteries. Among them is the question of temples and places of worship. Unlike other ancient civilizations, like that of Egypt or Mesopotamia, which have left us imposing religious monuments, the civilization of the 7 rivers does not seem to have built visible temples. This leads us to wonder where and how its inhabitants practiced their rituals and sacrifices.

Vedic sacrifices outdoors

According to the texts of the Rig Veda, which is associated with this civilization, sacrifices, especially fire sacrifices (yajna), were performed outside the cities. It is mentioned in the brahmanas that these religious ceremonies took place on rented land, often in exchange for a cow. It seems that this type of ritual was practiced in the open air, far from urban areas, in natural places or places specially designated for sacrifices. This model continued during the classical Vedic period, well after the end of the civilization of the seven rivers.

Fire Altars at Lothal and Kalibangan

However, some archaeological evidence suggests that religious practices may have taken place in cities as well. At Lothal and Kalibangan, two important sites of this civilization, fire altars have been discovered. These structures resemble platforms where rituals may have taken place. Although their exact use remains debated, they show some form of fire worship (Agni), a central element in Vedic practices.

However, these findings are not sufficient to affirm that sacrifices were carried out in urban centres. Rather, the trend seems to show that these ceremonies took place outside the cities, in spaces reserved for this purpose. This corresponds to the continuity observed in later Vedic periods, where sacrifices remained public events, but often on the fringes of urban areas.

Conclusion

The Seven Rivers civilization, especially on the Sarasvati, probably practiced its religious rites outdoors, often outside cities. Although some archaeological evidence, such as the fire altars of Lothal and Kalibangan, suggests that ritual practices could also be done in cities, most sacrifices and worship seem to have taken place outside urban spaces, in line with later Vedic practices. This simple and natural approach to religion, without imposing temples, differentiates this civilization from other great contemporary empires.