From articles by SWAHA Pt. Ishwar Madho Maharaj
In the traditions of Sanaatan Dharma, the festival of Gangaa Dashami, also known as Gangaa Dussehra or Gangaa Dhaaraa, maintains deep spiritual significance. The ten-day observance venerates the divine descent of Gangaa Maa—She who flows not merely as water, but as pure consciousness, sanctity and salvation. Culminating on the tenth day, the festival is marked with great reverence, especially in spiritually hallowed places in India such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayag and Kashi (Varanasi), where the presence of Gangaa Maa is most palpably felt.
The blessed river Gangaa is not an ordinary stream; She is Moksha Daayini, the bestower of liberation. To devotees, She is life itself, sustaining both body and spirit. Flowing across the sacred land of Bhaarat, Her waters nourish the physical earth and cleanse the karmic burden of Her children. As Hindus, we are taught the five rins (debts) we must strive to repay in this life, and among them is our debt to prakriti—the environment. In worshipping Gangaa Maa, we are reminded of our sacred duty to protect and preserve Mother Nature, whose essence flows through Her.
From the divine realms of ancient lore, the origin of Gangaa Maa is both celestial and majestic. It is said that She first touched the lotus feet of Naarayan (Lord Vishnu), thus imbibing divine sanctity. Her descent to earth was brought about through the austere and steadfast penance of King Bhagirath, who prayed for Her to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Recognising that the force of Her flow would be too immense for earthly existence, Lord Shiva—in His infinite compassion—caught Her in His jataas (matted locks), gently releasing Her as a life-giving stream. Thus, Gangaa Maa is also revered as Jataa-Dhaari Gangaa—She who flows from the crown of Shivaji.
Her waters are not mere H2O; they are pavitra paavani—inherently purifying and spiritually transformative. A sacred bath in Gangaa Maa, particularly on the day of Gangaa Dashami, is said to absolve one of numerous sins, both known and unknown, and pave the way for liberation (moksha).
Gangaa Maa is a form of the Divine Mother, one of the Matru Shaktis most worthy of devotion in Sanaatan Dharma. Her praises echo through the scriptures. In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna proclaims, “Among rivers, I am the Gangaa,” affirming Her supreme status. In the Raamaayan, we are told that when Seeta Maataa stood on the banks of the river, She offered heartfelt prayers to Gangaa Maa, seeking Her blessings for the safe return of Shree Raam, Lakshman, and Herself to Ayodhya after their 14 years of exile. Shree Raam Himself bowed to Gangaa Maa, offering worship to a clay Shivlingam before crossing Her sacred waters. This inseparable connection between Gangaa Maa and Shivaji remains at the heart of many rituals even today.
In present times, devout worshippers continue the ancient veneration. From the early hours of Gangaa Dashami, devotees gather at riversides and flowing streams, where the Mother’s presence is invoked. Offerings of prasaad, pushpam (flowers), maalaas and jal (water) are humbly placed into Her flowing waters. In some regions, beautiful murtis of Gangaa Maa and Shivaji are ceremonially installed near the riverbanks, transforming the environment into a temporary temple of divinity.
As twilight descends, little boats fashioned from coconut shells carry flickering deeyas across the water, creating a celestial scene of glimmering devotion. The atmosphere is alive with the recitation of the Gangaa Chalisa, Shiva Chalisa, Gangaa Aarti and Gangaa Jaap. The day concludes with a snaan (ritual bath), where the river is honoured as Gangaa Maa Herself, a sanctified opportunity to spiritually renew oneself.
Let us remember that worship of Gangaa Maa is not only an act of spiritual cleansing but also a call to safeguard our rivers, to honour Mother Earth and to live in harmony with the divine flow of life.
May Gangaa Maa ever flow through our hearts, our lives and our lands. May She purify us all and guide us to higher consciousness.
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