Ganga Dussehra: Goddess of Purification and Forgiveness

Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the descent of the sacred River Ganges (Ganga) from the heavens to Earth. It falls on the Dashami (tenth day) of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which usually corresponds to late May or early June. The festival is particularly celebrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.

History:

As per Hindu Mythology, Ganga is the daughter of Brahma, born from his kamandala (a spout shaped vessel), when he was washing the feet of Vamana (The dwarf Brahmin incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

In Valmiki Ramayana, Ganga is depicted as the daughter of King Himavat and Queen Menaka. She is the sister of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s consort.

According to the Vishnu Purana, Ganga was created from the sweat of Lord Vishnu’s feet.

Among the various interesting stories of Ganga, the most popular story is from Bramha Rishi Vishwamitra’s Ramayana Bal Kand, where he narrates about Bhagirath and the descent of Ganga to Earth.

The origin of Ganga Dussehra is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. According to the legends, King Bhagiratha, a descendant of King Sagara, performed intense penance to bring the River Ganges from the heavens to Earth to purify the souls of his ancestors. His forefathers had been cursed by the sage Kapila and turned into ashes. Bhagiratha's penance pleased the goddess Ganga. At first, Ganga thought that no one would be able to withstand her power and descended to the Earth with all her power. Shiva decided to teach her a lesson and held her in his matted locks. Ganga tried to get free but failed to escape from the Great Shiva. After one year of rigorous penance of Bhagiratha, Shiva was pleased and released Ganga. Ganga understood the greatness of Lord Shiva and asked for his forgiveness. Shiva is known as Gangaadhara as Lord Shiva absorbed the flow of Ganga and saved the earth from flooding, by receiving Ganga on his matted locks thus Ganga descended to Earth. This event is commemorated as Ganga Dussehra.

Importance: Ganga Dussehra holds immense religious significance as it symbolizes the purification of the soul and the washing away of sins. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is believed to cleanse one's sins and bring blessings and prosperity. It is also a day to honor the river, which is considered the lifeline of millions of people in India.

What to Do and Don't

Do's:

1. Bathing in the Ganges: Take a holy dip in the Ganga, especially at places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.

2. Offer Prayers: Perform rituals and offer prayers to the goddess Ganga, seeking her blessings.

3. Charity: Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy as an act of virtue.

4. Recite Mantras: Chanting specific mantras dedicated to Ganga and performing aarti (prayer ritual) is considered auspicious.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Pollution: Do not pollute the river by disposing of plastic or other waste materials.

2. Harmful Activities: Avoid any activities that harm the river or its ecosystem.

3. Negative Actions: Abstain from negative thoughts and actions, focusing instead on purification and devotion.

Temples of Maa Ganga in India and Abroad

India:

1. Ganga Temple, Haridwar: One of the most prominent temples dedicated to Goddess Ganga.

2. Vishnu Ganga Temple, Rishikesh: Known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.

3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi: While primarily a Shiva temple, it has a significant association with the Ganges.

4. Ganga Temple, Prayagraj: Located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Abroad:

1. Ganga Mandir, Mauritius: A significant temple for the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

2. Ganga Temple, Fiji: Another important temple for the Hindu community in Fiji.

3. Ganga is respected in Nepal as a guardian water goddess, worshipped together with another river goddess Yamuna. Her sculptures are found in Patan Durbar Square and Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple is a municipality in Kathmandu.

4. In Sri Lanka, Ganga with other Hindu deities assumes a Buddhist persona.

5. In Balinese Hinduism, she is worshipped together with the goddess Danu. Her waters are considered holy in Bali. Her maternal association with Bhishma is known in Bali.

Mantras

Chanting mantras dedicated to Goddess Ganga is an essential part of the worship during Ganga Dussehra. Some of the popular mantras include:

1. Ganga Stotram: Om Gangayai Namah   ॐ गंगायै नमः ।

2. Ganga Aarti: Jai Gange Mata, Maiya Jai Gange MataJo Nar Tumko Dhyaata, Manavaanchhit Phal Paata…

3. Ganga Sahasranama: Reciting the thousand names of Ganga for spiritual benefits.

4. Shiv Mantra: Om Namah Shivaay  ॐ नमः शिवाय ।

5. Gam Gangaye Vishnu Pada Sambhutaye Namah   गं गंगायै विष्णु-पाद-संभूतायै नमः ।

6. Aing hili hili mili mili gaange maam paavay paavay svaaha.

7. Om hili hili mili mili gaange devi namah.

8. ॐ गंगाधराय नमः।

Rituals to Perform on Ganga Dussehra

1) Wake up at sunrise (preferably before it) and finish your cleansing rituals.

2) On the day of Saptami, it is auspicious to bathe in the divine waters of Maa Ganga. She symbolises purity and cleansing. It’s perfectly alright if you do not get a chance to bathe in the river Ganga on this day.

While bathing in the ordinary water, visualize Maa Ganga and bring your awareness to Her divine and purifying waters.

3) When done with your cleansing rituals, install a picture of Maa Ganga in your home shrine. She is seated on a crocodile and is personified as a beautiful woman.

You may offer her white flowers, sandalwood and fruits. The prasad that you offer Her should be sattvic and home-cooked, especially free of onions and garlic.

4) During the puja, light a ghee lamp as an offering to Maa Ganga and burn incense.

5) Even if you do not observe a fast on this day, try to avoid outside eatables, tea, coffee and intoxication.

6) After bathing, offer arghya to Surya(Aditya) Deveta and, if possible, chant his 12 names.

7) Seat yourself in a comfortable position on a kusha mat. It is not necessary to sit on the kusha mat, and you may even use  blanket. After you settle down, visualize Maa Ganga, meditate on her form, seek her blessings and chant Aditya Hridayam Stotram.

8) You may also read or listen to Ganga Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya.

9) After your puja, perform the aarti for Maa Ganga.

10) After the puja and worship, distribute the prasad among other devotees. If possible, feed Brahmins on this day.

11) To please Maa Ganga and seek her blessings, make a donation. It’s absolutely not essential to go overboard with your charity. Make simple donations as per your capacity.

12) Visit a nearby Shiva temple. If you have Gangajal in your house, offer it Bhagwan Shiva - onto the Shivlinga. In the absence of Ganga water, you may also offer ‘normal’ water. After you make your offerings to lord Shiva, meditate on His form and chant his mantra.

13) All the names of Bhagwan Shiva are auspicious, but it's preferable to chant the mantra, “ Om Gangadharaya Namah (ॐ गंगाधराय नमः।)”, either 21 or 108 times as per your capacity.

14) Donate lamps. Doing deepdaan on this day has special significance and is considered highly auspicious.

Bathing in Ganga

Bathing in the Ganga is considered highly auspicious, especially on Ganga Dussehra. The ritual is believed to purify the body and soul, washing away sins and bringing divine blessings. Pilgrims flock to sacred ghats (steps leading to the river) like Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, and Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip. It is customary to offer prayers, flowers, and diyas (oil lamps) to the river after the bath.

Conclusion

Ganga Dussehra is a festival that epitomizes the sanctity and reverence of the River Ganga in Hinduism. Celebrating the river's descent to Earth, this festival underscores themes of purification, devotion, and respect for nature. Through rituals, prayers, and responsible actions, devotees honor Ganga, seeking her blessings for a prosperous and sin-free life. The festival not only has spiritual significance but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting this vital natural resource.