Ganweriwala: A Religious Centre on the Sarasvati

Ganweriwala, located on the banks of ancient Sarasvati, is one of the major cities of the Seven Rivers Civilization. Although it has not yet been fully excavated, the remains discovered so far suggest that this city may have had a central religious role.

A sacred place in the heart of the 7 rivers civilization

The Seven Rivers Civilization, which stretched around the Indus and Sarasvati rivers, was deeply spiritual. Religious rituals and practices played an important role, especially Vedic sacrifices. These ceremonies centered on offerings to the sacred fire (Agni), considered a messenger god between humans and the gods.

Ganweriwala could have been a major site for these practices. Its strategic position on the Sarasvati, a sacred river in Vedic texts, made it an ideal place to host spiritual ceremonies bringing together the surrounding communities.

Vedic sacrifices and the role of soma

The rituals practiced in the Seven Rivers civilization included specific sacrifices, guided by hymns and prayers from the Rig Veda. A key element of these ceremonies was the drinking of soma, a sacred drink described as bringing strength, inspiration, and spiritual enlightenment.

Soma was extracted from a plant that was probably a psilocybe cubensis, containing psilocybin. Participants in the rituals believed that it helped them transcend their human condition and connect with the divine. This brew played a key role in stimulating meditation and reaching higher states of consciousness.

An archaeological treasure yet to be explored

Despite its supposed importance, Ganweriwala remains largely unexplored. Located in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan, the city covers approximately 80 hectares, making it one of the largest of the Seven Rivers Civilization.

The lack of thorough excavations still leaves many questions unanswered. However, comparative studies with other sites such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa suggest that Ganweriwala could have housed altars, ritual pools or other religious structures used for Vedic sacrifices.

Conclusion

Ganweriwala symbolises the spiritual dimension of the 7 Rivers civilisation. This site, associated with the sacred river Sarasvati, could reveal still little-known aspects of ancient Vedic practices, in particular the role of soma in the quest for enlightenment.

Its future discovery and exploration will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of this unique civilization, where spirituality and daily life were deeply intertwined.