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The river Ganga holds a uniquely significant place in Indian life and consciousness.
It rises at Gangotri, high in the snow-clad Himalayas. Cascading down mighty
boulders, it flows into the hot plains of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and finally meets
the waters of the sea in the Bay of Bengal. At Allahabad, the Ganga merges with
the river Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati. The confluence of these rivers,
known as Prayag, is considered one of the most sacred spots on earth.
The Ganga, largest of the rivers of India, has been sacred to Hindus from the
epic era. She is the mother who washes away all the sins of mankind. The water
of the Ganga is worshipped in sealed containers in every home, sprinkled as a
benediction of peace, and mven as the last sacrament.
Regarded as a celestial river originating in the heavens, Ganga was gifted to
mankind in answer to the great sadhana undertaken by Bhagirath, after whom she
is also called Bhagirathi. Bhagirath, a descendant of the Sagara dynasty, prayed
for the Ganga to descend onto the parched earth and bring life. But the torrential
waters of the Ganga were a mighty and destructive force.
Despite its pollution the Ganga is a symbol of purity. Its water bestows salvation
to the dying and new life to the living.
In Hardwar, at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the Ganga reaches the plains,
aratis are performed each evening.
Unusual images of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra who
are ceremonially pulled in the grand chariots at Puri.
Brahma and Vishnu asked Shiva to accept the Ganga into his matted locks. Confined
in Shiva's hair, Ganga lost the wild force of her flow and became a placid, life-giving
river. Many sacred cities are situated along her banks of which Varanasi or Kashi
is the most sacred.
In the bright half of Jyeshtha the first 10 days are devoted to worship of the
river Ganga. According to Puranic legend Gangavataran or the descent of the Ganga,
happened at this time Devotees touch the river water, bathe m it, and take the
river clay home to venerate. In Hardwar, Uttar Pradesh, aratis are performed
at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on her serene banks.
