River Ganga is considered as a devi in Hindu religion. Many different pilgrimages are situated on the banks of river Ganga. River Ganga is considered to be the most sacred and holy of all rivers in India. It is believed that taking a bath in river Ganga relieves a person from all sins. Many people wish for a cremation near river Ganga as they consider it to be a path of salvation. Devotees also perform other religious activities on the banks of river Ganga.
Ganga ji is considered to be very holy and sacred. Ganga jal is considered equivalent to Amrit. Many festivals have also been related to Ganga ji. Donations, charities, prayers etc. are offered to Ganga ji on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Kumbha and Ganga Dushera. Many fairs are also organized near river Ganga. River Ganga establishes a sense of unity and dharma in the whole country. Many texts have been written about Ganga ji out of which Sri Ganga Sahasranam Strotram and Ganga Aarti have been famous.
Legend of Ganga Birth
Ganga ji is the centre of attraction for devotion and dedication. Many texts have been written about Ganga ji describing her importance and magnificence. Many legends are famous about Ganga ji. According to one such legend, Ganga ji originated from the sweat of Lord Vishnu’s feet. It is also said that Ganga ji originated from Lord Brahma’s kamandal.
According to one more legend, it is said that when Lord Vishnu killed Bali in Vaman incarnation, Lord Brahma cleaned Lord Vishnu’s feet and kept the water in his kamandal. According to another legend, Lord Shiva sang a song for Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Narad Muni. Lord Vishnu started sweating and Lord Brahma kept this sweat in his kamandal. It is said that Ganga ji originated from this kamandal.
Significance Ganga Jayanti
According to Shastras, Ganga ji reached Lord Shiva’s hair from Swarg lok on the day of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Saptami. Hence, this day is celebrated as Ganga Jayanti and Ganga Saptami. The day on which Ganga ji originated is known as Ganga Jayanti. In the same way, the day on which Ganga ji reached the earth is known as Ganga Dushera. Ganga ji is worshipped on this day. Taking baths in river Ganga and worshipping Ganga ji relieves a person from all sins and provides him with fame, happiness, and salvation. It is believed that people influenced by Mangal receive benefits by worshipping Ganga ji on this day.
According to Puranas, Ganga ji originated from Lord Vishnu’s thumb to bless the ashes of King Sagar’s 60000 sons who were turned to ashes by Kapil Muni’s curse. King Sagar’s successor, Bhagirath, offered prayers to Ganga ji and brought her to this earth. Hence, Ganga ji is also known as Bhagirathi.