Namami Gange! — Ganga Dussehra 2022
The Ganges marks its journey right from Himalaya Mountains at Gomukh, the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier to Bay of Bengal via North India . More than four hundred million people in India are dependent on the Ganges River Basin; this makes 'Ganga - Soul of India'.
Ganga Dussehra 2022 Date
As per Legends, Ganga descends to Earth on the day of Shukla Paksha Dashmi of Jyeshtha Hindu month. In 2022 Ganga Dussehra is on June 9th.
Further, we will talk about the Legend of Ganga Dussehra , Religious significance , exotic tourist attractions and what makes Ganga a unique river.
Why Ganges Water (Ganga Jal) Is Ever Pure?
''Indian scientists have validated the scientific basis of the mysterious 'special power' of the water of Ganga, which Hindus consider as "Brahm Dravya" or divine elixir. Microbiologists from the Chandigarh-based Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), who had studied the special characteristics of Ganges water have found, for the first time, several Bacteriophages, which keeps it non-putrefying. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate only in bacterial cells. This solves the mystery for the self-purifying properties of Ganga water and this makes Ganga a unique river.
The study was commissioned by the Federal Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry, headed by Kum. Uma Bharati in November, 2014''. - (Source ANI)
What happened on Ganga Dussehra? / Legend of Ganga Dussehra
A descendant of the Sagara dynasty, Bhagirath prayed for the Ganga to descend on the earth. Pleased with King Bhagirath's penance, Mother Ganga descended to earth to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors on this day. But, the torrential waters of the Ganges were in a destructive force. Lord Brahma asked Lord Shiva to hold the Ganges into His locks.
Hence, Ganga lost Her force of flow and became a placid, life-giving river.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated to mark the arrival of river Ganga on the Earth. Before descending on the Earth, Ganges was residing in the holy vessel of Lord Brahma. Hence, she has the purity of heaven.
After descending on the Earth, the purity of heaven came along with her. Thus ,Ganga Dussehra is celebrated. Usually, the festival is celebrated a day before Nirjala Ekadashi.
Religious Significance of Ganga Dussehra & Rituals
1.Ganga Snan
Bathing in Ganges (Ganga snan) today , is considered to be extremely auspicious and is believed to absolve all the sins.
Devotees throng to the banks of the Ganges for this ceremonial dip and also offer alms and charity.
A person taking bath on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami is freed of ten sins. Three of these sins are related to actions, four to speech and the other three to psychology.
2. Chant
For Prernamurti Bharti Shriji-''Ganga Dussehra is the great date of the descent of Devnadi Gangaji on this earth. On this day, if you are not able to bathe in the Ganges, then after taking a dip in any holy river or lake, meditate and worship by invoking Ma Ganga in that water and bathe by chanting the mantra
'Om Namah Shivayai Narayanayai Dussehraai Gangaai Namah'.''
By chanting 108 times the holy name of Ganges by staring at the water , bestows the same virtue as that of Ganga Jal to the devotee.
3. Recite
- Reciting Ganga Stotram by Adiguru Shankaracharya is considered to be virtuous.
- Those who are unable to take a dip or perform a puja on the banks of the holy river, can chant Dashapapahara shloka to get themselves freed of sins.
Glories of Ganga in diverse Scriptures
1. Shrimad Bhagwat Gita
''Pavanah pavataam asmi, Raamah shastra-bhrtaam aham, jhasaanaam makaras caasmi, srotasaam asmi Jaahnavi.”
“Of purifiers I am the wind, of the wielders of weapons I am Rama, of fishes I am the shark, and of flowing rivers I am the Ganga.” – Lord Krishna, (Bhagavad Gita 10:31)
2. Brahmavaivarta Purana
“Mountains of sins accumulated by a sinner in the course of his millions of transmigrations on earth disappear with a mere touch of the sacred Ganga water. Cleansed will he be also, who even breathes some of the air moistened by the holy waters.” – Brahmavaivarta Purana
3. Mahabharat
“Ganga always extends her unto those that are devoted to her with humbleness of heart. She unites those that are so devoted to her with every kind of happiness.” – Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, 27:100
4. Bhaj Govindam - Adi Shankaracharya
“One, who has studied the Bhagavad Gita just a little, drunk even a drop of Ganga water, has worshiped Krishna just once, does not meet Yama ,the lord of death.” –Bhaja Govindam,Verse 20
Tourist attractions- Incredible India
1.Shukratal , Uttarpradesh
Shukratal is the place where Shukadeva Goswami narrated the sacred Shrimad-Bhagavatam to Maharaja Pariksit, son of Abhimanyu, 5000 years ago. The sacred place is situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River.
In Shukratal there is a huge Akshayavat (The imperishable Banyan Tree) under which, according to belief, sage Shukdev had narrated the Shrimadbhagwat Katha to King Parikshit. The uniqueness of this tree is that it does not shed leaves.
2. Gangotri,Uttarakhand
Gangotri is one of the char dhams and is located in the high and scenic Garhwal Himalayas. It is the highest shrine of the Goddess Ganga. The sacred River Ganges, also known as Bhagirathi, originates from the Gangotri glacier, which is located here. The Gangotri Temple, where Goddess Ganga is revered, is the main attraction in Gangotri. The magnificent temple is composed of white granite and stands 20 feet tall.
3. Ganga Arti
The most important event associated with the sacred river is Ganga Aarti. It includes hymn chanting, flower offering, deep daan and more. The goal is to express gratitude and reverence for the river while also seeking its blessings. This is why Ganga Arti is famous in various Ganga Ghats.
4.Best places to visit in Kashi - Prernamurti Bharti Shriji
There are several mesmerizing ghats to visit in Varanasi, Uttarpradesh . Take a look at them!
Measures to ensure Clean Ganga
In the year 2014 Government of India launched a scheme Namami Gange to ensure cleanliness of River Ganga and its tributaries.
1. Avoid draining sewage water in Ganges
2. Do not dump unnecessary industrial waste because it clogs and cuts off oxygen supply of underwater plants and fishes.
3. Rejuvenation of Ganga ghats and temples must be carried out regularly so that visitors and others cannot dump waste there.
This Ganga Dussehra Let's Pledge - Keep Ganga Clean!
Whenever Prernamurti Bharti Shriji visits the banks of River Ganga, She ensures the cleanliness of the river. For Shriji 'cleanliness is equal to godliness' . Along with the devotees a campaign is run by Satprerna Trust to clean the river.
Everyone must shake hands with nature . Nature is not for exploitation rather one must adore and embrace the motherly love of the environment and ecosystem.
Together let's put our hand forward and pledge to keep Ganges clean and spread awareness about River Ganges amongst masses.
Har Har Gange!
Happy Ganga Dussehra
Let us know your resolutions to Save Ma Ganga in the comment section below.
This something unique! I never knew the scientific reason behind the purity of Ganga Jal.
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