GANGA DUSSEHRA : River Of Life

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.