Significance of Ganga Saptami

River

Ganga

is the holiest river in India, originating from the Maheshwar himself. Ganga Saptami or Ganga Jayanti as it is popularly known is an important Hindu festival celebrated in India. Maa Ganga originated in the month of Vaishakha in Shukla Saptami and therefore, every year this day is celebrated as Ganga Saptami.

As per

Skanda Purana

, Ganga was born on this day and therefore, it is also celebrated as per birthday. Revered as a devi in Hinduism, many important pilgrimages are situated on the banks of river Ganga. It is believed that every person who takes a dip or bathes in the Ganges is freed from their sins. Earlier, cremation at the banks of this holy river or simply being floated away in the river was believed to be the path to salvation.

Water from the Ganga is equal to amrit and is used extensively in religious activities. On important festivals like Kumbh Sankranti, Kumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti and

Ganga Dussehra

, donations are offered to the Maa Ganga. Maa Ganga represents the sense of unity and dharma.

Legend of Ganga's Birth

How was Ganga born? As per folklore, it is said she originated from Lord Vishnu’s sweat while some stories state she came from Lord Brahma’s Kamandal.

According to legends, when Lord Vishnu killed Bali as Vamana, Lord Brahma cleaned Lord Vishnu’s feet and the water used was stored in Brahma’s Kamandal. Another legend states that Lord Shiva sang for Brahma, Vishnu, and Narad Muni. On hearing the song, Vishnu began to sweat and the sweat was stored in Brahma's Kamandal.

Significance Ganga Saptami

As stated in the Shashtras, Maa Ganga reached out from Lord Shiva’s hair in the Swarg Lok on Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami and therefore, this day is celebrated as Ganga Saptami or Ganga Jayanti.

The day Maa Ganga originated is celebrated as Ganga Jayanti while the day she descended on earth is known as Ganga Dussehra.

Taking baths in river Ganga and worshipping Ganga relieves a person from all sins and provides him with fame, happiness, and salvation. It is believed that people influenced by Mangal receive benefits by worshipping Ganga on this day.