Ganga Puja
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Glorification of Ganga Puja:
As stated by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, she distributes special mercy not available anywhere else. Her divine waters in Navadvipa-mandala bestow Gauranga-prema, love for Lord Gauranga. Just like a caring mother, Ganga-devi nourishes and protects the tender Bhakti creepers of those who take shelter of her by bathing in her sacred waters and worship her. Immersion of the ashes of departed souls in Ganga helps them get liberated from all sins and awards them a birth to continue Krishna-bhakti. Initially, river Ganga flowed in the heavens. She was brought down to earth by the severe penances of the sage Bhagiratha and that is why she is also called Bhagirathi. According to the story, of the descent of the Ganga, once a number of demons were harassing the hermits by disturbing them in their ascetic duties. During the day, they would be chased into the ocean. But in the darkness of the night, they would emerge from the ocean and start harassing the hermits again. In desperation the hermits appealed to Rishi Agastya. Agastya, known for his gastronomic powers, drank all the water of the ocean. Though this was done in good faith, it resulted in depriving the world of the water needed for sustenance and the earth became parched and dry. Bhagiratha brought this drought to and end. According to the Agni Purana and Padma Purana, the Ganga descended to the earth on Ganga Dussehra day and a bath in the holy river on this day is said to purify one of all sins. To die on the banks of the Ganga is considered most auspicious. If that is not possible, then the immersion of the ashes after cremation in the river Ganga is a must, as it then releases one from the cycles of birth and re-birth. the seven ways of worshipping the Ganga are: by calling out her name, 'Oh Ganga'; having darshan of her; by toughing her waters; by worshipping and bathing; by standing in the waters of the river; and by carrying clay dug out of the river. Ganga in her anthropomorphic form is shown as a beautiful young woman standing on a crocodile and holding a waterpot in her hands. Her image, with that of the Goddess Yamuna, another sacred river deity, is often depicted on the doors of temples and palaces. In Gujarat, there is a legend according to which Ganga came down to the earth on Rishi Panchami, the fifth day of Bhadra (September) at Tarnetar. There is a sacred tank where people congregate for a holy bath on that day (pages 82-82.) (see Tarnetar festival 106-107, 120-121. not so relevant to us - nice pictures of the fair and bathing ghats though.) (Shakti M. Gupta. 1991. Festivals, Fairs and Fasts of India. Clarion Books) Standing on His right foot and extending His left to the edge of the universe, Lord Vamana became known as Trivikrama, the incarnation who performed three heroic deeds. Puja itenary: Regular puja: Lamp offering: 500 rs Prasad distribution: 500 rs for 50 devotees Special puja: 2000 rs |
