- Ganga Saptami is a special day dedicated to the Goddess Ganga, Ganga Pujan or Ganga Jayanti. On this day, people celebrate the Ganga’s descent to Earth. It is observed on the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha and is called Saptami Tithi. This year, in 2024, this auspicious occasion falls on Tuesday, May 14.
Ganga Jayanti 2024: According to Hindu mythology, the Ganga river was believed to have descended to Earth on the day of Ganga Dussehra. Lord Shiva caught her in his hair to prevent the river from washing away the Earth. Later, he released the Ganga, allowing her to purify the cursed souls of Bhagiratha’s ancestors.
As Ganga journeyed towards the kingdom of Bhagiratha, her powerful currents and tumultuous waters demolished Sage Jahnu’s ashram. Enraged, the sage consumed all of Ganga’s waters. In response, Bhagiratha and the deities beseeched Jahnu to free Ganga, allowing her to fulfil her purpose. Gratified by their prayers, Jahnu liberated Ganga from his ear.
Legend has it that on the Saptami of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha, Rishi Jahnu released the Ganga from his ear, giving rise to the name Jahnu Saptami for this day. Consequently, the Ganga is also referred to as Jahnavi, signifying her as the daughter of Rishi Jahnu.
Ganga Jayanti 2024: RITUALS
On this auspicious day, thousands of devotees gather at pilgrimage sites like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga.
Here are the rituals associated with this auspicious day:
Holy Bath in the Ganga
Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath in the sacred Ganga, an integral part of their spiritual routine. This act is believed to cleanse the body and the soul, bringing peace and purity to those who partake.
Offerings to Goddess Ganga
- Devotees present flowers and garlands to the Goddess Ganga and release them into the river as an offering.
- Oil lamps called Diyas are lit and placed in the river as an offering.
- During the ritual of worshipping Lord Surya, the devotees offer him Arghya (water) in the holy river Ganga.
Evening Aarti
- Special aarti (ceremonial worship with lamps) is performed in the evening.
- To honour Goddess Ganga.
- During certain times of the year, steps leading to the river (ghats) in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Allahabad are illuminated with diyas. Devotees light diyas in the evening and place them in the Ganga River, a ritual known as Deep Daan.
Ganga Jayanti 2024: SIGNIFICANCE
In Hinduism, the Ganga River is considered a goddess. Bathing and worshipping in the Ganga during Ganga Saptami is believed to purify one of all sins and please one’s ancestors. According to religious accounts, ancestors are content when a person leaves for a bath in the Ganga during the Brahma Muhurta on a specific date. The festival also holds astrological significance; Vedic astrology suggests that worshipping Goddess Ganga on this day can reduce the effects of Mangal dosh in one’s birth chart.
Ganga Jayanti: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ganga Saptami?
Answer: Ganga Saptami is a special day in Hinduism that celebrates the descent of the Ganga river to Earth. It is observed on the seventh day of the Shukla Paksha in Vaishakha, known as Saptami Tithi.
2. Why is Ganga Saptami celebrated?
Answer: Ganga Saptami is celebrated to honour the goddess Ganga, who is considered a sacred river in Hinduism. This day marks the descent of the Ganga River to Earth.
3. What are the rituals associated with Ganga Saptami?
Answer: The rituals associated with Ganga Saptami include taking a holy bath in the river, offering flowers and garlands to Goddess Ganga, lighting oil lamps called Diyas, and performing special aarti in the evening to honour her.
4. What is the significance of bathing in the Ganga river on Ganga Saptami?
Answer: Bathing in the Ganga river on Ganga Saptami is believed to purify one of all sins and please one’s ancestors. According to religious accounts, ancestors are content when a person bathes in the Ganga during the Brahma Muhurta on this specific date.
5. Where can one celebrate Ganga Saptami?
Answer: Ganga Saptami can be celebrated at pilgrimage sites like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi, where thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga.
