Gangaa Dhaaraa is an event that is eagerly anticipated by many Hindus throughout the world. It is a ten-day festival that starts on June 9th this year and culminates with the Gangaa Dashami on June 18th. Here in Trinidad, our ancestors were steadfast in their veneration of Gangaa Maa. Even today, She is venerated and propitiated either directly or indirectly every day of the year. There seems to be an inextricable link between the practice of Sanaatan Dharma and Divine Mother Gangaa. As we approach this blessed occasion it is appropriate that we delve a little deeper so that we may better understand some of the significant reasons that necessitate Her worship.
Many philosophers have mentioned that India could not be called “India” if it was devoid of the sanctifying presence of Gangaa. The Gangaa, or the Ganges River, is so intimately bound with life in India that for many individuals, families and even entire communities, every important aspect of their life somehow involves Gangaa. This is further emphasized by the fact that almost one out of every ten people in the world live within the area known as the Ganges basin! This blessed river, apart from helping to sustain life, actually adds meaning to life in India. As Hindus, we should all remember that we have five debts to repay – one of which is to the environment. No life can exist without water. Locally, we are familiar with the slogan, “Water is life!” Thus, through the worship of Gangaa Maa we are reminded of the immediate need to actively engage in the protection and preservation of our environment and its priceless natural resources.
Gangaa Maa, as a form of the Devi, is considered to be one of the five mothers in Sanaatan Dharma that are worthy of worship. Throughout our scriptures there are numerous references to instances where devotees have faithfully engaged in Her worship. In the Bhagavad Gita, Shree Krishna endorses such adoration by stating that “I am the Gangaa among rivers.…” In Raamaayan there is the beautiful incident where Seeta Mata prayed to Gangaa to ensure a safe return with Shree Raam and Bhaiyaa Lakshman after the fourteen years of exile; while Shree Raam bowed to the blessed Gangaa after having worshipped a clay image of Shiva Bhagwaan. Even today, quite often, the worship of Gangaa and Shivaji are combined – with many performing Shiva puja on the banks of the river for Gangaa Dashami.
Taking a ritual bath in the Gangaa is something that is said to purify the body internally and externally, washing away all accumulated sins, thereby facilitating the liberation of the soul. There are those who will continue to question this pronouncement, but if we simply look at the millions that reverently undertake pilgrimages to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi, and the subsequent transformations that occur in their lives – we will realize that it is a belief that is undoubtedly rooted in fact. Gangaa is said to have originally flowed over the feet of Vishnu Bhagwan and Her divine potency was further intensified having come into contact with the head of Shivaji. For many such reasons, Her waters are “pavitra paavani” – possessing the innate ability to purify and sanctify whatever it comes into contact with.
Many scientists have marvelled at some of the unexplainable chemical and physical properties of Gangaa jal. One striking observation is the fact that even with all the pollution that occurs daily in Gangaa (just as with other rivers), the lifespan and the rate of reproduction of many disease causing microorganisms found in its waters are significantly less than those of the tributaries that flow into it. This has mystified those who are not soundly rooted in their faith. But, if we consider ourselves to be followers of this great tradition that is Sanaatan Dharma, then we cannot underscore the relevance of the worship of Divine Mother Gangaa in developing spirituality. We encourage devotees to seize opportunities such as Gangaa Dhaaraa to continue to cultivate bhakti that will lead us closer to the supreme reality. Jai Gangaa Maa!
By: Pt. Ishwar Madho Maharaj
