Ganga Saptami

"Ganga Saptami", also known by the names 'Jahnu Saptami', 'Ganga Pujan' & 'Ganga Jayanti' lies on the 7th day of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha) in Vaishakha month. As per the Gregorian calendar, it falls in the month of April/ May. This year, it is on '27th April 2023.'

The auspicious occasion of Ganga Saptami is devoted to the holy river Ganga.

The river Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is one of the most important rivers in India and the world. It is approximately 2,525 km long & originates from the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand. It flows through several states in northern India, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & West Bengal emptying into the Bay of Bengal in the east. The Ganga basin is also one of the most densely populated regions in the world & home to many cities, including Varanasi, Haridwar & Kolkata. The river provides water for irrigation, transportation, and other economic activities, & is an important source of livelihood for millions of people.

Hindus consider river Ganga as 'Devi': Ganga Maa. In Sanatan Dharma, Ganga is considered one of the holiest rivers in India. It is believed to have purifying properties & is often used for spiritual and religious purposes.

According to Vishnu Purana, Goddess Ganga first emerged from the perspiration of Lord Vishnu's left feet. That day came to be known as 'Ganga Dussehra.' Secondly, she took birth from Lord Brahma Ji's Kamandal. And third time, it is considered that on this revered day of Ganga Saptami, the Ganga took rebirth on the earth to cleanse the sins of mankind.

There's also an interesting legend regarding the descent of the river Ganga from heaven to the earth. It finds its relevance in Narada Purana, Padma Purana & Brahma Purana.

Once, there was a King named Bhagiratha ruling over the region of Kosala. As Sage Kapila had turned his ancestors into ashes, he was also experiencing troubles in his lifetime. He performed penances to seek the help of deities to get rid of his past karmas & to purify the souls of his forefathers. Satisfied by his devotion, Lord Brahma assured him that he would send Goddess Ganga to the earth to help him. But Lord Brahma was afraid that the flow of Goddess Ganga would destroy the earth completely. Hence Brahma Ji asked Bhagiratha to request Lord Shiva for releasing the river from his hairs. It would control Ganga's flow. Bhagiratha performed utter penance and prayers to Lord Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Shiv Ji agreed and Ganga started flowing from his matted locks first. Here she split into seven rivers- Nalini, Haldini and Pavani in the north, Sita, Chakushas and Sindhu in the westside, & Bhagirathi (Ganga) the seventh river flowed southeast.

Despite descending through the matter hair of Shiv Ji, Ganga displaced some of the places and caused havoc on her way. The hermitage of Rishi Jahnu was also wrecked. In his anger, he drank the entire waters of Ganga & stored them in his abdomen. When Bhagiratha & other Lords got to know about this, they prayed and requested the sage to release the river Ganga otherwise it would defeat the purpose of her going on to the earth. After his anger subsided, Rishi Jahnu released Ganga from his ear. In due course of time, originating from the Himalayas, the river Ganga reached the earth. She blessed Raja Bhagiratha & all his 60,000 ancestors attained moksha. From that day onwards, Ganga also came to be known as 'Moksha Dayini.'

Apart from this, she's also known by the name 'Mandakini' in heaven, 'Bhogavati' in the patala (underworld), 'Jahnvi' (being drunk by Rishi Jahnu), 'Bhagirathi', 'Alaknanda', 'Padma' & 'Shivpriya.'
Ganga is believed to be the daughter of Himavan & his spouse Maneka.

As per Puranas, Ganga Maa travels on a crocodile (makara) holding a Kalash (symbol of water, life and fertility) in her hands.

Ganga is said to be the only river in the world that has the power to purify itself. It is also believed that the goddess Ganga resides in the river & bathing in its waters can help one attain moksha (salvation).

Hence on the holy festive occasion of Ganga Saptami, the devotees from all over India & foreign countries visit the river Ganga, its tributaries, ghats & many pilgrimage sites such as Triveni Sangam, Rishikesh, etc. to have a holy dip, i.e., Ganga Snaan, in the river. Apart from this, 'Ganga Aarti' is also of utmost significance to Ganga Saptami. At various ghats of the river, thousands of devotees gather to witness Maha Ganga Aarti. After the prayer is over, saints circulate the lamp to all for seeking the purification & blessings of Maa Ganga. Later, flowers & garlands (offered to the Goddess) are drifted in the holy water of the river. The ritual of 'Deep Daan' is also considered virtuous where the devotees float a deep (diya) in the river memorising Gayatri Mantra & Ganga Sahasranama Stotram.

Many ardent devotees of Maa Ganga keep a fast to evoke the Goddess & seek her divine blessings.

In some areas, processions are carried out with the idol of Goddess Ganga adorned with beautiful clothes & jewelry.

Due to the sacred and purifying properties of River Ganga, it is considered an important part of Hindu religious practices. It is also a significant site for cremation, as it's believed that the ashes of the deceased will be carried by the river to heaven, purifying the soul and ensuring a better afterlife.

River Ganga also finds its relevance in Astrology as well. According to Vedic astrology, the people suffering from dosh or malefic effects of the planets should worship Goddess Ganga & take a dip in the holy river on Ganga Saptami. It would provide them relief from the negative effects of the planet.

Furthermore, the River Ganga is an important symbol of India's cultural heritage & identity. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists throughout history, and its cultural significance extends beyond India's borders.

However, it's important to note that the purity of the Ganga has been a matter of concern in recent times. Despite its cultural & economic importance, the River Ganga has been facing several environmental challenges due to pollution, climate change & many human activities like industrial waste disposal, sewage dumping, etc. There have been efforts and initiatives by the Indian government namely Ganga Action Plan & Namami Gange, to clean up the river & ensure its sustainability for future generations. Still it remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be.

Despite these challenges, the significance of the River Ganga in Sanatan Dharma remains as strong as earlier. It still continues to be a crucial part of Hindu religious and cultural traditions. River Ganga continues to hold a significant place in the hearts and minds of millions today.

Sharing one of my favourite quotes that stays with me as I share this article on Ganga Maa :

"Ganga is not just a river; it's a symbol of India's ancient culture and civilization"
- Pranab Mukherjee

This festival of Ganga Saptami is a reminder of the importance of natural resources on the earth.
So let's get together this Ganga Saptami to help the Indian Government be successful in its initiatives towards a pollution free Ganga.

Har Har Gange !!
Shubh Ganga Saptami !!