🌼 Ganga Jayanti or Ganga Saptami 🌼

💐Ganga Saptami Puja Method: 💐

• On the day of Ganga Saptami, mix Ganga water in water and take bath in Brahma Muhurta. 
• Install the picture of Mother Ganga and fill some Ganga water in the Kalash. 
• Offer flowers, vermillion, akshat, gulal, red flowers, red sandalwood to Mother Goddess. 
• After this offer jaggery, sweets and fruits. 
• Finally, recite Shri Ganga Sahastranam Stotra using incense sticks. 
• Vedic mantras of Ganga ji should be chanted on Ganga Saptami. 
• Conclude the puja with aarti. 
• Stay away from vengeful things. 
• Finally distribute the Prasad among the family members. 
  
  

   ***

🌻Significance of Ganga Saptami 🌻  

             The legend and significance of Ganga Saptami are mentioned in the religious scriptures such as ‘Padma Purana,’ ‘Brahma Purana’ and ‘Narada Purana.’ As per the Hindu beliefs, Goddess Ganga first descended to Earth on ‘Ganga Dussehra.’ However, Sage Jahnu drank up Ganga’s water. But after being pleaded by Gods and King Bhagiratha, he released Ganga once again on the day of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami. Hence, this day is celebrated as a rebirth of Goddess Ganga. It is also known as ‘Jahnu Saptami.’ Another name of Goddess Ganga is ‘Jahnavi’ since he was the daughter of Rishi Jahnu. 

                  River Ganga is held very sacred in India. The celebrations of Ganga Saptami are carried out at the sacred places where Ganga and its tributaries flow. Ganga Saptami is promising for Hindu devotees who worship Goddess Ganga. Devotes also take a dip in the holy water. It is believed that a pious bath in Ganga River may wash away all the sins of the person. Many Hindus desire to be cremated next to River Ganga as it will lead them to salvation. Those who are under the influence of ‘Mangal’ should worship Goddess Ganga on Ganga Saptami. 

***

🌻 Where is Ganga Saptami Celebrated?🌻

                   Ganga Saptami is celebrated with great devotion and fervor across India and wherever the Ganges River is revered. The festival holds particular significance in regions along the banks of the Ganges, where devotees gather to honor the divine river. The celebrations are especially vibrant in the following places: 

Haridwar: Known for its sacred ghats, Haridwar witnesses large gatherings of devotees performing prayers and taking holy dips in the river. 

Rishikesh: A spiritual hub, Rishikesh hosts grand festivities, where people come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Mother Ganga. 

Varanasi (Kashi): The ancient city of Varanasi, with its iconic ghats, becomes a center of devotion, as thousands come to celebrate this sacred occasion. 

Prayagraj (Allahabad): Known for the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj hosts significant rituals and prayers on this auspicious day. 

Other Ganga Ghats: Ganga Saptami is also observed in many other cities and towns along the Ganga’s path, with devotees celebrating in temples and riverbanks. 

    
                   For those unable to visit the Ganga River in person, the festival can still be celebrated at home. Many devotees add a few drops of Gangajal (water from the Ganges) to their bathwater or perform prayers in front of an image or idol of Goddess Ganga. 

***

      🍀Chanting of Ganga Jayanti Mantras:🍀

ॐ नमो गंगायै विश्वरुपिणी नारायणी नमो नमः। 

Om Namo Gangayai Vishvarupini Narayani Namo Namah । 

गंगा गंगेति यो ब्रूयात, योजनानाम् शतैरपि। मुच्यते सर्वपापेभ्यो, विष्णुलोके स गच्छति। 

Ganga Gangeti Yo Bruyat, Yojanaam Shatairapi. Muchyate Sarvapapaybhyo, Vishnu Loke Sa Gachchati । 

   ***

💐॥ Aarti Shri Gangaji ॥ 💐

         
Om Jai Gange Mata,Maiya Jai Gange Mata। 

 Jo Nara Tumako Dhyata,Manavanchhita Phala Pata॥ 

 Om Jai Gange Mata॥ 

Chandra Si Jyoti Tumhari,Jala Nirmala Ata। 

 Sharana Pade Jo Teri,So Nara Tara Jata॥ 

Om Jai Gange Mata॥ 

Putra Sagara Ke Tare,Saba Jaga Ko Gyata। 

 Kripa Drishti Ho Tumhari,Tribhuvana Sukha Data॥ 

 Om Jai Gange Mata॥ 

Eka Bara Jo Prani,Sharana Teri Ata। 

 Yama Ki Trasa Mitakara,Paramagati Pata॥ 

 Om Jai Gange Mata॥ 

Aarti Matu Tumhari,Jo Nara Nita Gata। 

 Sevaka Vahi Sahaja Mein,Mukti Ko Pata॥ 

 Om Jai Gange Mata॥ 

  ***