Ganga River is the most sacred river in Hindu religion. Ganga has been a symbol of divinity, spirituality, purity and moksha. Swami Vivekananda said, “Paris is the fountain-head of European civilization, as Gomukh is of the Ganga. Ganga finds mention in numerous ancient texts; she is a mother, a goddess, a life-giving river and a repository of people’s beliefs.
The River Ganges, also known as the Ganga, is considered sacred in Hinduism for several reasons. According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges is the manifestation of the goddess Ganga, who descended to earth to purify the souls of the dead and to provide a source of clean water for the people of India. The river is also considered sacred because it is believed to have originated from the feet of the Hindu god Vishnu, and to contain divine powers that can purify the mind and body. In addition, the river is considered to be a symbol of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, and is an important part of many Hindu rituals and ceremonies. The Ganges is also revered for its scenic beauty and is an important source of water for millions of people living along its banks.
- The National River of India Ganga flows through India and Bangladesh
- The river flows through the Himalayas, Gangetic plains and empties into the Bay of Bengal
- In Indian traditions and culture, river Ganga is personified as Goddess Ganga
- It is a revered belief that to remit sins, one has to take a dip in river Ganga. It further channelizes the salvation, so is believed in Indian culture
Many sacred places are located alongside the stretches of Ganga river:
Gangotri
Haridwar
Prayagraj
Varanasi
Kali Ghat
