Shankaracharya's poem on the river is a sublime hymn to Siva's daughter. She is Siva's kripa [(Grace)]. Surasa [(cleanser)], Rewa [(dancing deer)]. She is Delight and at the same is also the evoker of Narma (lust). She is twice-born, first of penance and then of love. If she evokes desire she also soothes. The serpent of desire is tamed on her banks. Though suicide is a sin it is a release from the cycle of rebirth if it is on the banks of Narmada. Because of its eroding power every pebble assumes the shape of a lingam as goes the proverb along her banks Har Kankar ek Shankar (every pebble is an object of worship). In order to attain Moksha one has to take a dip in the holy Ganges; but mere sight of the river ensures salvation. The devotees call her "Narmade Har!" (Cleanse us, Narmada...