Back when the Ganga was unpolluted, it was rich in sulphur and natural germicides. This meant that taking a dip in the river would rid the people of common and preventable skin diseases and elongate life. Now, in those days of low literacy and undeveloped science, the common man wasn't going to believe that. read more
Now, putrefaction (decay) is a process which is carried out by bacteria which are killed by the Bacteriophage virus. Hence, the ganga river water doesnot undergo putrefaction even when stored for long time. Thats why it was established as pure in ancient India when it was like miracle for people. read more