Ganga Saptami’s importance and how to worship Goddess Ganga on this auspicious day
Every year, the Ganga Saptami festival is celebrated with devotion and reverence on the seventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Vaishakh. This special day commemorates the descent of Mother Ganga onto Earth. According to mythology, it is believed that on this day, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to Earth, marking this festival as a symbol of the river’s divinity, purity, and life-giving power. Bathing in the Ganga and performing prayers and charity on Ganga Saptami is believed to grant immense spiritual merit and purify the soul from sins.
This year, Ganga Saptami will be observed on May 3, 2025. According to the Panchang, the Saptami Tithi will begin at 5:57 AM on May 3 and last until 5:22 AM on May 4. The festival will be observed today, May 3, as per the Udaya Tithi. Renowned astrologer and vastu expert, Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma from Bhopal, explains that the significance of Ganga Saptami is not just religious but also spiritual.
Shubh Muhurat for Ganga Snan and Puja:
- Ganga Snan (Holy Bath): 10:58 AM to 1:58 PM
- Puja Time: 11:52 AM to 12:45 PM
- Daan (Charity) Time: Brahma Muhurat, 4:13 AM to 4:56 AM
Religious Significance of Ganga Saptami
According to ancient texts, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring Mother Ganga to Earth for the liberation of his ancestors. Pleased by his devotion, Mother Ganga descended to Earth. Her mighty flow was so powerful that Lord Shiva contained her in his locks to control her force. Ganga is regarded as the moksha (liberation) giver, and it is believed that taking a dip in the Ganga and offering prayers on this day absolves a person of all sins and grants them liberation.
Simple Puja Method:
- Place an idol or image of Mother Ganga on a clean surface.
- Fill a copper pot with Ganga water and place mango leaves and a coconut on it.
- Offer flowers, rice, sandalwood, a lamp (diya), and naivedya (food offerings) to Goddess Ganga.
- Recite the Ganga Aarti and chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” mantra.
- After the puja, sprinkle Ganga water all over the house for purification.
Special Remedies for Ganga Saptami:
- For Wealth Enhancement: Mix saffron and jaggery in Ganga water and place it in the north-east corner of the house. Chant the mantra “Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalaxmyai Namah” 108 times.
- For Debt Relief: Mix black sesame in Ganga water and offer it to Shivling. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra 108 times.
- For Removing Negative Energy: Add camphor to Ganga water and sprinkle it all over the house. Walk in the opposite direction around the main door seven times with Ganga water.
- Pitr Tarpan (Ancestral Offerings): Donate sesame seeds, clothes, and simple food to Brahmins. This enhances peace for ancestors and improves family harmony.
Ganga Saptami Mantra During Offering (Arghya):
“Om Namah Shivaya Gangayai Namah
Om Bhagirathi Cha Vidmahe Vishnupatnyai Dheemahi
Tanno Jahnavi Prachodayat”
In Hinduism, Mother Ganga is worshipped as a divine goddess and purifier. It is believed that just by seeing or touching the Ganga or taking a holy dip, all sins are washed away, and one achieves moksha (liberation). Ganga is not just a river; she is the foundation of Indian spirituality and culture.
To learn more about Mother Ganga, the story of her descent, and her profound significance, the book ‘Bhagirathi Ganga’ published by Ashwatha Tree Publications is highly recommended. Written by Tulika Singh, this book beautifully explains the story of Ganga and her importance in simple, child-friendly language. It not only makes the ancient tale accessible to young minds but also instills values of purity, spirituality, and environmental consciousness. The best part is that a 10% discount is available on this book during the auspicious occasion of Ganga Saptami. A perfect way to introduce children to the divine wisdom of Mother Ganga.
Ganga Saptami is not just a religious event but a celebration of purity, faith, and tradition in our lives. Worshipping Mother Ganga teaches us that, just as the Ganga purifies everything she touches, we too must strive to purify our actions. Through this festival, we not only gain spiritual benefits but also embrace the message of environmental conservation. This Ganga Saptami, let’s fill our lives with positive energy and blessings from Mother Ganga.
