Ganga Saptami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Ganga, celebrated on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Vaisakha, which usually falls in April or May. This festival marks the day when the river Ganga descended to Earth from heaven.
Celebrations vary by region, but they often involve rituals like bathing in the holy river, offering prayers, and participating in special ceremonies. Devotees believe that observing Ganga Saptami purifies the soul and brings blessings. The festival highlights the significance of the Ganga river in Hindu spirituality and culture.
People worship Goddess Ganga and offer several pujas and rituals on this day. Ganga Aarti is held at several ghats of the Ganges. Ganga Shobha Yatra is organized at various ghats and many people take part in it. Devotees perform deepadan on this auspicious occasion.
The significance of Ganga Saptami lies in its celebration of the river Ganga, which holds immense religious and cultural importance in Hinduism. Here are a few key aspects of its significance:
-
Divine Origin: The festival commemorates the descent of the goddess Ganga from the heavens to Earth. According to Hindu mythology, the river was brought down by Lord Shiva to cleanse the Earth and provide a sacred medium for spiritual purification.
-
Purification: Bathing in the Ganga is believed to wash away sins and purify the soul. On Ganga Saptami, many devotees make pilgrimages to the riverbanks, especially at holy sites like Varanasi and Haridwar, to take a holy dip and seek blessings.
-
Spiritual Cleansing: The festival is an opportunity for devotees to engage in spiritual practices, including prayers, meditation, and offering thanks to the goddess Ganga for her role in sustaining life and providing spiritual nourishment.
-
Cultural Heritage: Ganga Saptami celebrates the river's role in various cultural and religious traditions. The Ganga river has been a central figure in Hindu rituals and practices for centuries, symbolizing purity, life, and divine grace.
Overall, Ganga Saptami emphasizes the sacredness of the Ganga river and its deep connection to Hindu spirituality and cultural heritage.
The celebration of Ganga Saptami involves various religious and cultural practices centered around the goddess Ganga. Here’s how the festival is typically observed:
-
Holy Bath: Many devotees take a ritual bath in the Ganga river, believing that it purifies the body and soul. Pilgrims travel to sacred riverbanks, especially in cities like Varanasi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, to participate in this practice.
-
Prayers and Offerings: Devotees offer prayers to the goddess Ganga, expressing gratitude and seeking her blessings. Offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets are made at riverbanks or temples dedicated to the goddess.
-
Puja (Ritual Worship): Special pujas (ritual worship ceremonies) are conducted, which may include chanting of mantras, singing devotional hymns, and performing aarti (ritual of light) to honor the goddess.
-
Religious Gatherings: Temples and riverbanks often host religious gatherings and events where priests conduct ceremonies, and devotees come together to participate in rituals and celebrate.
-
Cultural Programs: In some regions, cultural programs and festivals are organized, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and storytelling that highlight the significance of the Ganga river.
-
Charity and Donations: Some people engage in acts of charity, such as donating to religious institutions or helping those in need, as a way of honoring the goddess and seeking her blessings.
Overall, the celebration of Ganga Saptami is a blend of religious observance and cultural expression, reflecting the deep reverence Hindus have for the Ganga river and its divine significance.
Legends
There is an interesting story associated with the rebirth of Ganga. Once upon a time there lived a king called Sagara who ruled the kindom of Kosala. He belonged to the Surya Dynasty and performed hundred Aswamedha Yagnas . Once he completes the hundredth yagna, he would become the king of Swargalok.Indra, the king of heaven did not want this to happen. To make his position secure, he had stolen the sacrificial horse of the hundredth Yagna and hid it in the ashram of Sage Kapila. The sons of Sagara, about sixty thousand of them set out in search of the horse and finally could find it in sage Kapila’s ashram. They mistook him to be the culprit and waged a war against him. The sage became furious, cursed all of them and burnt them to ashes.
Time rolled on. Many kings took birth and died in the same dynasty. One among them was Bhagiratha. By the time he ascended the throne, there were many disturbances in Kosala. He thought that these are due to the multiplication of his fore fathers sins and wanted to do penance for their sins. This can be done only through River Ganga which is sacred. Then Bhagiratha went to Himalayas and did tapasya for thousand years to please Lord Brahma.
Lord Brahma appeared in front of the king and promised him that Goddess Ganga will be sent to earth as he wished. But when she would descend, she would have a strong flow and would destroy the whole earth. Hence Lord Brahma asked the king to please Lord Shiava who could control the river s force. This time the king did tapasya for Lord Shiva for a year and finally Lord Shiva agreed to help him. He opened his hair and tied Ganga when she was falling from the heaven. This day came to be celebrated as Ganga Saptami Day.
Then Lord Shiva let only a part of her to flow through Himalayas. Ganga which came to earth due to king Bhagiratha’s efforts is also known as Bhagirathi. During her flow, she washed out sage Jahnu ashram. Then the raged sage drank the whole water. When Bhagiratha pleaded the sage, he released her through his ear. This day is known as Jahnu Saptami.
Later river Ganga came to be known as Jahnavi, the daughter of sage Jahnu. From the Himalayas she continued her journey and reached sage Kapil’s ashram and flowed over the ashes of sixty thousand princes. Then they all attained Moksha and this day is considered as Ganga Dussera.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें