Ganga Saptmi, also called Ganga Jayanti or Ganga Pujan is celebrated by Hindus to please Goddess Ganga. This comes in the month of Vaisakha as per the Hindu calendar, i.e., in the month of April –May. It is believed that on the seventh day of Shukla Paksha, the holy river Ganga was reborn. This occasion is mainly celebrated near the river bed of the Ganga. The worshipper takes dip in its water, which is considered to be very auspicious. Thus, Ganga Saptami is considered as an occasion where river Ganga is worshipped with full devotion.
What is the story behind Ganga’s Birth?
In India, lot of dedication and devotion is shown to Ganga Ji. There are many stories about the magnificence and importance of Ganga ji in India. One of the legendssays that Ganga ji is born due to sweat of God Vishnu’s feet; another legend says that Ganga Ji was born from the Kamandal of Lord Brahma.
One more famous story is there behind the origin of Ganga. According to that, when Bali was killed by Lord Vishnu, then Lord Brahma cleaned the feet of Lord Vishnu and stored the water in his kamandal. This water gave birth to Ganga. According to another story, a song was sung by Lord Shiva for Narad Muni, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. He started sweating and the sweat was stored by Lord Brahma in his kamandal. It is believed that Ganga Ji came out and was originated from that kamandal only.
Ganga Saptami is believed to provide the worshippers with lot of benefits. It is believed that all the sins of the past and present life are removed if one takes bath in the holy water of river Ganga on the occasion of Ganga Saptami. They are able to purify their souls by taking a bath in the holy water of Ganga that is believed to flow on the earth with the purity of heaven.This enables the worshippers to lead a healthy life full of happiness. Taking bath in the holy water of river Ganga on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Saptami fills the devotees with new and fresh energy that enable them to complete their tasks on time. This also enables them to earn profits in life and lead a happy and successful life.
What is the Significance of Ganga Saptami?
On Vaishakh Shukla or Saptami, Ganga Ji came from Swarg lok and reached God Shiva’s hair. As per the Shastras, this day is famous as Ganga Saptmi and Ganga Jayanti and on this day, Ganga reached earth. The day is also celebrated as Ganga Dushera. People worship Ganga Mata on this day and they take a bath in the holy water of the river. It is believed that taking bath in river Ganga on this day removes all sins of the past and givessalvation, happiness and fame to the devotees. Those people who have Mangal Dosh in their Kundli get benefited by worshipping Ganga Mata on this day. Several benefits are provided to the devotees on the occasion of Ganga Saptami. They receive the blessings of river Ganga by taking a dip in the holy water of the river. It is also believed that several diseases are also cured as the result of a dip in the water of river Ganga as itswater is having medicinal properties that areable to cure several health related ailments of the devotees.
There is one more famous story in Puranas which states that Ganga River came from the thumb of Lord Vishnu to bless the King Sagar’s sons. They were 60000 in number and were turned into ashes due to the curse of Kapil Muni. Bhagirath was the successor of King Sagar who brought Ganga to earth. That is why Ganga River is also called as Bhagirathi. The occasion of Ganga Saptami is also known with the name of Jahnu Saptami. It is believed in Haridwar and other regions that Goddess Ganga descended from heaven into the matted hairs of Lord Shiva and started flowing in the Himalayas on the occasion of Ganga Saptami.
There is also a legend behind the fact why Ganga Saptami is also termed as Jahnu Saptami. As per the legend, one day, river Ganga entered into the ashram of Saint Jahnu and because of her violence, the meditation of the saint was disturbed. This makes the saint very angry and in his anger, he drunk Ganga and then releases her from his ear. This story became famous and since then, this day is celebrated as Ganga Saptami or Jahnu Saptami.
What are the rituals of Ganga Jayanti?
- Gayatri Mantra is chanted
- Bath is taken in River Ganges in BharmaMuhurat that is early in the morning before sunrise.
- Aarti is done to please Ganga Mata.
- Lord Shiva is also worshipped on this day.
What to donate on Ganga Saptami?
It is considered good to commemorate the place where Ganga is originated. While worshipping Ganga, it is auspicious to have all articles in the count of ten. As an example, if you are donating flowers, they should be 10 in count. Similarly, lamps, betel leaves or fruits should be 10 in number. So, if you prefer to donate something on this day, just try to donate 10 different things as it is believed to provide beneficial results. Also, it is considered good to donate Sesame and Barley on the occasion of Ganga Saptami. Moreover, donating food to 10 Brahmins is also considered very auspicious. While you take a bath, you must take at least 10 dips. It is believed that such donations are able to provide the devotees with huge benefits and fills their life with happiness and joy. Those who are unable to go to the banks of river Ganga could perform the rituals at their own place with devotion.
