Devi Sureshwari Bhagavati Gange, Tribhuvan Tarini Taral tarange
Shankar Mauli Viharini Vimalay, Mam Mati Rastam Tav Paad Kamalay
Bhagirathi Sukhdaini Matastav Mahima Nigmay Khyatah
Na Hum Jane Tav Mahimanam, pahi kripamayee mamagyanam
EXCERPT OF THIS ANCIENT PRAYER IS FROM SKANDPURAN, KASHI KHAND.
REVERENCE AND DEVOTION TO RIVER GANGA IS ANCIENT. SAGES, HOLY MEN, YEARNED TO BE CLOSE
TO THE BANKS OF THIS RIVER WHICH HAS ITS BEGINNINGS IN THE GAUMOOK GLACIER. IT HAS BEEN
WORSHIPPED ENTERNALLY THROUGHOUT THE AGES. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS RIVER FLOWS THROUGH THE MATTED LOCKS OF LORD SHIVA.
ITS WATER IS HOLY. JUST ONE DROP OF GANGA JAAL IS CAPABLE OF GIVING SALVATION AT THE
TIME OF DEATH. ONE DROP ADDED TO REGULAR WATER HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM ALL THE
WATER INTO GANGA JAAL.
NO MATTER, HOW LONG IT IS STORED FOR, IT IS BACTERIA FREE. FROM ANCIENT TIMES SHE HAS BEEN LOVED BY THE PEOPLE OF INDIA AS A "GODESS". EVEN TODAY, GANGA ARTI IS PERFORMED
ALL ALONG HER VERERATED BANKS.
MA GANGA GIVES US SALVATION FROM THE CYCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH. A DIP IN THE GANGES IS
AN ACT OF WORSHIP. WHEN PERFORMED WITH FAITH IT WASHES AWAY OUR SINS. IT HEALS THE
BODY AND MIND OF DISEASES AND GIVES US PEACE AND HARMONY. THE ACT OF BATHING IN THE
RIVER, WHEN PERFORMED WITH "FAITH" CAN GIVE ULTIMATE MOKSHA.
EVERY l2 YEARS, THE KUMBH MELA TAKES PLACE IN THE CITIES OF ALLAHABAD, UJJAIN, HARIDWAR AND NASIK. IT IS BELIEVED THAT WHEN THE TUSSLE FOR AMRIT (NECTER OF IMMORTALITY) TOOK PLACE BETWEEN THE GODS AND THE DEMONS, A FEW DROPS OF NECTER FELL IN THE WATER OF THESE 4 HOLY TOWNS. HENCE, EVERY l2 YEARS, PEOPLE FLOCK TO BATH IN THE HOLY RIVER DURING
THE CONSTELLATION OF PLANETS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED VERY AUSPICIOUS.
2010 JANUARY l4th is when the kumbh Mela commenced in Haridwar. Devotees, holy men, sanyassis flocked from every part of India to bathe in its holy waters. I was fortunate to be there on llth - l4th April to attend the most important Snaan (bathe). It is believed the 33 crore devis and devatas are
also bathing in the Ganga at the time of the Kumbh Mela(fair). Camps are pitched at allocated sites, by the different Akharas. People try to spend as much as a month here fasting, praying, and attending talks by learned pandits from all over India. It is a spiritual meeting place, from time in memorial. Important to note, that Gurumaa received Sannyas mantra from her spiritual Guru Swami Ved Vyasanandji also at one of the Kumbh Melas. Gurumaa had her own chariot, which was pulled through the streets of Haridwar. Millions of people, rich and poor line the streets to receive blessings
of the spiritual leaders from all over India.
People use their lives savings to come here at this time. This year, countless devotees, once again came with devotion and faith to Ma Ganga. It is the largest congregation of people in the world. People, look like tiny ants, lining the road, streets and by lanes. Thousands, sleep on the road side as accomodation and food become scarce.
Jiddu Krishnamurti says " Life is like a river: endlessly moving on, ever seeking, exploring, pushing penetrating every crevice with its water. But, the mind wont allow that to happen to itself. The
mind sees that it is dangerous, risky to live in a state of impermanence, insecurity so it builds a wall around itself.....
It is very tragic to watch the Ganga slowly dying because of carless neglect from people who fail
to realise the importance of keeping it clean and pollution free. My heart broke, to see devotion and love on the one hand, and utter oblivion on the other. Yes, Ma Ganga is slowly choking with plastic bags, refuse of every kind from different parts of the country. The fragile eco-system is becoming more and more threatened by industrial pollution, sewage, and garbage. Yet, she slowly bears with dignity the abuse thrust into her waters. How long will she take it, until a day will come when there will be no holy water for us to drink or bathe in.
The leaders of India, need to pay heed to the situation which is only too apparent. Let us learn to worship and treasure her before it is too late.
I believe, we need to act to save Ma Ganga. Small acts, of making people aware of the threat is
what is the need of the hour. Electronic media, politicians, actors, lay men all need to unite collectively
to save Ma Ganga. This will surely please her, more than any prayer ever can.
Jai Ma give us your loving guidance to help restore your holy water.