Category: rivers of India

The major rivers of India are – Flowing into the Arabian Sea (Narmada, Tapi, Sindhu, Mahi) and Flowing into the Bay of Bengal (Krishna, Kaveri, Penna River, Yamuna, Ganga, Godavari, Meghna, Mahanadi)

Krishna Pushkaram - It's Significance

Krishna Pushkaram – It’s Significance

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Krishna Pushkaram & It’s Significance

To all living beings water is the source of life. The perennial rivers that provide water show evidence related to the beginnings of human culture and their development. It has been the tradition in our country to worship rivers, as images of divinity and worship.

Nadi & Pushkaram

From the place of its origin to a stream flowing beyond a distance of Dhanusses (a Dhanus is an arc of a circle), it is called ‘Nadi’ and also because it produces a musical sound it is called ‘Nadi’. The science of Pushkara (a festival held once every 12 years by turns at certain sacred rivers) which nourishes water is called PUSHKARAM (Poshayatitipushkaram).

During this occasion, crores of Gods, Rishis, and Manes come in human form with Brihaspati, the mentor of Gods, when Guru travels in the zodiac signs such as Mesha at one year in each sign, the zodiac sign into which Brihaspati enters the river related to that sign will get the Pushkaram.

Origin and History of Pushkaram

There are many stories in circulation about the origin and history of Pushkaram. According to one story, in the past, when one Thundila did penance on Parameswara for the gift of a permanent abode with Parameswara, He gave a place to him in the form of water and blessed him with the supremacy of an emperor over three and a half crore sacred rivers.

Since water is essential for his creation, Brahma did penance to Parameswara and got a boon from him for the water to remain in his Kamandalam. Thereafter, when Brihaspati did penance to Brahma and requested him to keep Pushkara in his control, Pushkara who disliked leaving Brahma requested Brahma also to go along with him.

Krishna Pushkaram - It's Significance

When Brihaspati, the image of grahas enters Mesha and other grahas and leave, for twelve days Pushkara should stay with Brihaspati, during that period Brahma settles with Brihaspati and he would keep coming and stays in the sacred river which presides over the zodiac sign (raasi) into which Brihaspati enters with all the Gods. Since then pushkaras came into being.

Pushkaras will be performed for various rivers when Brihaspati along with Pushkara enters into different raasis.

Zodiac Signs and Rivers associated

  • In Mesharaasi to Ganga river,
  • in Vrishabaraasi to Narmada,
  • in Midhunaraasi to Saraswati,
  • in Karkatakaraasi to Yamuna,
  • in Simharaasi to Godavari,
  • in Kanyaraasi to Krishna,
  • in Thularaasi to Cauvery,
  • in Vrischikaraasi to Bhimarathi,
  • in dhanusraasi to Pushkaravahini,
  • in Makara raasi to Tungabhadra,
  • in Kumbharaasi to Sindhu,
  • in Meenaraasi to Pranahita river.

Kanyaka Bhagirathi

In the year 2016, Brihaspati in his roving around the raasis, since he entered the Kanyalagna of the sixth raasi, Pushkaras are being held to Krishna river, the sixth one among the rivers. This pushkara is also known as Kanyaka Bhagirathi. The first twelve days of Brihaspati’s stay in Kanyalagna alone are significant days of Krishna Pushkara.

There are many stories in circulation about the Krishna River whose Pushkara festival is being celebrated in 2016. According to one version Brahma was ready with all the requirements to perform the Yaga on Sahyadri. Even as the auspicious time was advancing, Saraswati did not turn up.

As time passed, at the instance of Vishnu and other Gods, Brahma started the yaga with his second wife Gayatri. After a while Saraswati arrived and got angry and cursed the gods rover there to take the birth as rivers because the yaga was started before her arrival. Due to her curse, it is said that Vishnu was born as river Krishna, Siva as Veni, and Brahma as Kakudmathi.

As all three together flowed down from the range of Sahyadri mountains and then took the form of river ‘krishna’.

Krishna – Image of Vishnu

It is believed firmly that lord Krishna took the form of the Aswatha tree on Sahyadri and that river Krishna descended from the roots of that tree. That is why the river Krishna is mentioned as the image of Vishnu. River Veni descended from the gooseberry tree (usirika), merged with river Krishna and came to be known as Krishnaveni.

According to another version, in Dwaparayuga, Radha and Krishna cursed the gopikas with the names of the sacred rivers, Ganga etc to be born on earth; and when the gopikas prayed for their redemption, Radha and Krishna took pity on them and told them to be born in Bharatakhanda, with their respective names, as the great rivers of Pushkara, flow and deliver the souls.

Thereafter, Krishna created Ganga from his foot, Krishna who was in the form of Ashwatha on Sahyadri created river Krishna from the left side of his body (image of Radha), hence the praise “Krushna Krushnanga sambothe Janthunam Papaharini”.

Krishna Pushkaram - It's Significance

According to another version, responding to the prayers of various Maharishis, river Krishna in Varunaloka appeared in various forms and those forms themselves took shape as Agamasastras.

A pot in one hand, and the rope of Varuna (Varunapasa) in the other and mounting the vehicle of Makra (Capricorn, the tenth zodiacal sign) — in this manner as enunciated in Sritatwanidhi, Silpasastra (The science of sculpture), as decided by scholars river Krishna is the integrated form of

  • Ganga,
  • Yamuna,
  • Godavari,
  • Krishna,
  • Rewa,
  • Taapi,
  • Veni, and
  • Saraswati.

The statue of ‘Krishnaveni’ installed in front of the Prakasham barrage in Vijayawada is sculpted according to this philosophy/ principle only.

Still in various other forms mentioned:

  1. Carrying in four hands, in two of them vessels of Amruta, the boon-giving (varda) seal, carrying lotus and seated on the lotus – this is one form.
  2. Carrying kamandalam and japamala (rosary) — which is another form.
  3. Discus (chakra), trident (trishulam), Parasu (axe), and Akshamala, with three eyes on the vehicle of swan, with the king of the holy water, Pushkara – is another form.

These forms are praiseworthy.

River Krishna – 2nd Longest River

River Krishna is the second longest river in Andhra Pradesh. Originating near Mahabaleswaram in Maharashtra, entering Andhra Pradesh near Targidigi (Mahboobnagar district), flowing 720 km in Kurnool, Nalgonda, and Guntur districts. Near Hamsaladeevi in Krishna district, Krishna splits into two parts as it gets merged with the ocean.

It flows 1440 km from Mahabaleswaram up to its confluence in the ocean.

It is stated in Brahmandapurana that during the Pushkara period bathing in river Krishna is equal to bathing in Ganga, Godavari, etc. One is redeemed of the sins of the previous birth. According to one popular story, a woman of loose morals living on the banks of Ganga indulging in unworthy activities used to bathe in Ganga in the mornings for her redemption.

Mired (Pankilam) in sin in this manner, Ganga used to take bath in the form of a crow in river Krishna, get rid of her sins and becoming pure would fly back in the form of a swan. This is a part of the story.

In the year of Pushkara the first twelve days are considered to be important/primary Pushkara, in the middle of the year as middle Pushkara, and the concluding period as the end of Pushkara. It is said that in all these three periods bathing, charitable acts and ceremonies can be performed.

Krishna Pushkara

On the occasion of Krishna Pushkara to take the ceremonious vow (Sankalpam) one must purify oneself, then approach the river Krishna, meditate upon it, sip water thrice, then take the resolve as follows: “for pleasing Parameswara, for the fulfilment of the principle objects of human life and pursuit (the purushardhas : Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha), in Kanyaraasi, in the great event of three crore theertas Mahapushkara, I am bathing in Krishna” after that going opposite to the prahava one must take bath three times, opposite to the Surya three times, offer water to Surya and then take bath once again.

Thereafter, one should turn to the south and again offer water to the manes (departed spirits) and then again take a bath facing the flow (pravaha), propitiate the Krishna waters, take the sacred water, come to the bank and wear new clothes. Thereafter, one should visit the favourite God and perform charitable acts.

During Pushkara times, the waters of the river possess divine brilliance. Therefore, in those times the following acts are prescribed: bathing, charity, praying, dedication, meditation, homam (an oblation to the gods consisting in the casting of clarified butter etc into the fire), offering of water and ceremonies to the manes. In the days of krishnapushkara to counteract untimely death pushkaravrata is indicated.

During Pushkara times, the religious vow performed for twelve days is equal to that of twelve important kalpas (one kalpa is a day of Brahma or one thousand Mahayugas). Chitranadha, a prince, who was left with a life of three months only, taught by the sage Katschana performed Krishna pushkaravrata and achieved a long life.

This is mentioned in Krishna pushkaravrata Mahatmaya.

Sanctity of Godavari Pushkarams

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The Sanctity of Godavari Pushkarams

Tulyatreyee Bharadwaja Gowthami Vruddha Gowthami
Kousika ca Vasista ca sapthadhayanthi namostute

Having divided into seven channels, the Godavari finally reaches the Bay of Bengal. I salute all the seven channels of the Goddess Godavari before I take my holy dip in it.

Adyatu Gowthami Ganga paschyat Bhagiradhi smrutha
Tayo rekataraa sevyaa Gowthami tatra paavani

The smrities proclaim that one should take one’s holy dip first in the Godavari and then in the Ganges though these two great rivers are treated equally. The Godavari is holier than the Ganges in this context.

5 essential natural elements

Out of the five essential natural elements created by God, Water and Air occupy the most predominant place in man’s existence. The other elements are Prithvi, Agni and Akash. The use of water is of special significance in Hinduism. A living river is a permanent source of water for human existence. Apart from its life-sustaining properties, a river is vastly used for piety and spirituality. Bathing in a river has also its religious significance.

The relationship between a river and a human being is maintaining mutual health and co-existence. A river offers great benefits to the present and future generations. A holy dip i.e., ‘Punyasnanam’ in the waters of a sacred river is believed to absolve one from all sins and fear of death. Each river is a Mother Deity having its mythology, identity and spirituality within her. Rivers are the arteries of the earth. They are personified as beautiful women and worshipped as Goddesses.

Most of the holy places in India like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Talakaveri, Patna and Ujjain are situated along the banks of the holy rivers. It is not an exaggeration to say that Indian spirituality is unique and miraculous by itself. Natural elements like rivers, mountains, trees, animals, and flowers are sacred in Indian philosophy. Right from our birth to death, and even in the afterlife also, the rivers play a vital role.

During Pushkarams, water and spirituality go hand in hand. Pure rivers are essential for spiritual, aesthetic and ecological purposes. The religious feelings for rivers can be used as a potential social instrument to educate the people to protect the rivers from pollution.

The rivers have been the promoting sites of the evolution of Indian culture, architecture, dance, music, history and mythology. They have the credit of protecting life, religious convictions, knowledge, valour, devotion, detachment and renunciation. They are the sources of food, transport, recreation, power, and energy and also the promoters of the salvation of the souls of human beings.

Godavari River - Sanctity of Godavari Pushkarams

Godavari

The Godavari, one of the holiest rivers in India purifies the pilgrims of their sins. A holy dip in the sacred waters of it is believed to be free from all sins. The Hindus highlight the heritage and tradition associated with historical literature and glory of the ever-flowing, sacred and mighty Godavari and also take up various cultural activities to facilitate the heavy rush of pilgrims expected at all the Godavari basin bathing ghats and temples symbolising the historical and mythological heritage of the river.

Pushkaram is an Indian festival of a river celebrated when Jupiter enters certain signs of the zodiac. The celebrations happen annually once in twelve years along each river. Each river is associated with a zodiac sign and the river for each year’s festival is based on which sign Jupiter is in at that time.

12 Sacred Rivers

Accordingly, twelve sacred rivers have been identified in which Pushkara enters each river once in twelve years coinciding with the transit period of Jupiter in twelve zodiac signs.

The transit of Jupiter is as follows:

  • Jupiter in the Mesha Rashi — the Ganges
  • Jupiter in the Vrishabha Rashi — the Narmada
  • Jupiter in the Mithuna Rashi — the Saraswathi
  • Jupiter in the Karkataka Rashi — the Yamuna
  • Jupiter in the Simha Rashi — the Godavari
  • Jupiter in the Kanya Rashi — the Krishna
  • Jupiter in the Thula Rashi — the Kaveri
  • Jupiter in the Vrischika Rashi — the Bheemarati
  • Jupiter in the Dhanus Rashi — the Pushkara (Brahmaputra)
  • Jupiter in the Makara Rashi — the Thungabhadra
  • Jupiter in the Kumbha Rashi — the Sindhu
  • Jupiter in the Meena Rashi — the Pranahita

Pushkara

The word ‘Pushkara’ has twenty-seven connotations. The most significant of them are water, sky, stars, mrudangam, serpent, the trunk of an elephant, lotus stem, lotus flower, and lotus leaf.

Pushkara or Pushkar is a Sanskrit word derived from the element of ‘Push’ (Pushti) meaning nourishment and ‘Kara’ means one who does it.

Pushkara is the energy that nourishes. In Tirumala, the sacred water tank near the temple of Lord Varaha Swamy is known as Swamy Pushkarini.

Origin of Swami Pushkarini at Tirumala
Swamy Pushkarini. – Tirumala

Regarding the legends, Pushkara energises the rivers and provides rivers with spiritual purification. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram, one finds a reference to the word Pushkara in the 5th sloka where Lord Vishnu is referred to as Pushkaraksha which means the one who has lotus eyes, the one who provides nourishment to the entire Universe and the one who is always present in sacred ‘Theerthas’.

Pushkara Kshetra

Pushkar is the name of a famous pilgrim center known as Pushkara Kshetra located in Rajasthan about 17 Kms from Ajmer. It is believed that the lake known as Pushkaralake was the creation of Lord Brahma on the banks of which He performed penance for several thousands of years.

Pushkara Kshetra located in Rajasthan about 17 Kms from Ajmer
Panoramic view of Pushkar lake

Here, one finds very few temples where Lord Brahma is worshipped. Pushkara also indicates the twelve-year time factor in the Vedic terms.

Our ancient seers prescribed certain austerities to be observed during Pushkara time known as Pushkara Vidhi.

The most important obligations during the Pushkarams are

  • Pushkara snana,
  • Pushkara Vaasa (staying),
  • Pushkara Darshana,
  • Siro Mundana (tonsuring),
  • Fasting,
  • Pushkara Karma and
  • Pushkara Dana.

The Pushkaram is celebrated at temples along the banks of twelve major sacred rivers in India in the form of worshipping one’s ancestors. Spiritual discourses, devotional music, and cultural programmes are to be held on this auspicious occasion. It is believed that during the first twelve days of the Godavari Pushkaram, the river gets medicated and this helps man in sharpening his mind spiritually.

When Jupiter enters into the Aquarius sign of the zodiac the Kumbhamela is celebrated in Haridwar, Prayag and Nasik where the Godavari has started its natural and sanctifying course.

The Origin of Pushkara

According to the holy scripts, Pushkara is the son of Lord Varuna the presiding deity of all the rivers. As per the legend, Pushkara prayed to Lord Brahma and asked Him to live in the sacred waters of His Kamandalam which came from the foot of Lord Vishnu intending to provide purity to all the rivers. Looking at the selfless desire expressed by Pushkara, Lord Brahma granted him the boon to live in the waters of His Kamandalu.

Later, Pushkara also performed penance and acquired the ‘Jala Tattva Siddhi’ from Lord Shiva as a boon. By the boons acquired from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, Pushkara became the king of all ‘Theerthas’ and was regarded as the ‘Theerthapalaka’.

At the time when Pushkara acquired the boons, Jupiter also performed penance and pleased Lord Brahma. Looking at the perpetual sacredness of Pushkara, Jupiter wanted Lord Brahma to spare Pushkara to be with him permanently. But Pushkara was not willing to go along with Jupiter.

Consequently, Lord Brahma resolved the situation by asking Pushkara to be associated with Jupiter for twelve days in the beginning and twelve days at the end of his short stay in a particular Rashi in the zodiac, the transit of which generally happens once a year.

Pushkaram / Pushkaralu Festival

Adi Pushkaralu & Antya Pushkaralu

The first twelve days are called ‘Adi Pushkaralu’ and the last twelve days are called ‘Antya Pushkaralu’. It has become a custom and tradition since time immemorial to celebrate the transit of Jupiter in a particular house in the zodiac as the Pushkara festival of a particular river.

In the 10th chapter of the Gita, it is mentioned by Lord Krishna that He is Brihaspati. Pushkara always resides in the Kamandalu of Lord Brahma in the sanctified waters that have emerged from the foot of Lord Vishnu. Entry of Pushkara into a particular river signifies the Pushkara festival when all Gods, all Sages, all ‘Pithrudevathas’, and all ‘Theerthas’ on the earth including the Ganges enter into a particular river along with Jupiter and Pushkara.

The time of their entry into a particular river is considered highly sacred and celestial which has the power to diminish the dreadful sins committed by human beings.

Having a darshan, taking a bath, touching Pushkara waters, and drinking the sacred waters of Pushkara are considered to be highly auspicious and soul-cleansing. It is considered to be the most sacred time to perform rites to ‘Pitru Devatalu’ on the banks of the Pushkara River to help them further to attain salvation.

The Legend

According to legends, the sage Gautama lived in the Brahmagiri Hills at Trimbakeshwar with his wife Ahalya. The Sage kept his stock of rice in a granary. A cow entered his granary and ate up the rice. When the Sage tried to ward the cow off with a blade of ‘Darbha’ grass, it fell dead. The sage felt remorse for the sin of killing the cow. He prayed to Lord Shiva and requested him to divert the waters of the Ganges to purify his sin and his hermitage.

Lord Trimbakeswara

Pleased with the Sage’s earnest and sincere request, Lord Shiva appeared as Lord Trimbakeswara and diverted the Ganges to flow in his hermitage. The Sage felt very happy. The stream called ‘Ahalya’ meets the Godavari in front of the Trimbakeswar temple. It is believed that the childless do get children if they worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the Ahalyasangam. Trimbakeswar itself is a place of worship because it is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Brahmagiri is the mountain range in the Western Ghats of Maharastra where Lord Brahma appears in many mythological and legendary documents. It is situated in Nasik district. Lord Trimbakeswar temple one of the Dwadasa Jyothirlingas is located near the place. The Godavari originates from Trimbak in Nasik and flows towards the Eastern Ghats and finally merges into the Bay of Bengal.

Bhamhagiri_hill_Nasik

The Significance of the Godavari

From Nasik onwards, the Godavari progresses its journey to wash away the sins of humanity through many significant places like Kopergaon, Puntamba, Paithan, Nanded, Sironcha, Basara, Nirmal, Dharmapuri, Godavarikhani, Bhadrachalam, Polavaram, Pattiseema, Rajahmundry, Kovvur, Dowleswaram, Ravulapalem, Tallapudi, Kotipalli, Narasapuram, Antervedhi and Yanam.

Seven Channels of Godavari

The Godavari that flows up to Rajahmundry is called ‘Akhanda Godavari’. Thereafter it is divided into seven channels namely Tulya, Atreya, Bharadwaja, Gowthami, Vruddha Gowthami, Kousika and Vasista. So it is also called ‘Sapta Godavari’.

At present, these seven channels have become two namely Vruddha Gowthami and Vasista before it reaches the Bay of Bengal. The statues of the Goddess Godavari Mata and Lord Pushkara were erected on the banks of the Godavari at the Pushkar Ghat in Rajahmundry. The statue of the goddess Godavarimata was constructed at the main railway station also in Rajahmundry.

It is believed that the Godavari is holier than the Ganges in the sense that the Goddess Ganga will take Her dip in the waters of the Godavari to wipe out all the sins of the pilgrims who take their bath in Her waters and will regain Her original scintillating brightness.

It is in practice the pilgrims bring the holy waters of the Ganges to the Godavari to mix the waters and become sanctified.

The Significance of Pushkarams

It is staunchly believed that during the time of ‘Pushkaralu’ Lord Parasurama, Dhruva, Bhakta Markendeya, Lord Hanuman and Aswathama who are called ‘Chiranjeevulu’ would take a holy dip in the sanctifying waters of the Godavari.

Along with them, all River-Goddesses, Siddhas, Sadyas, Vasuvulu, Rudrulu, Adityulu, Lord Indra and other ‘Dikpalakas’ along with their Consorts, Trimurthulu, and ‘Mukkotidevatalu’ would take their holy dip in their glorious forms. It is believed that the great saints like Sanaka Sanandanadulu, Vasista, Vamadeva, and the great divine singers Narada and Tumbura would take their holy baths in the waters of the Godavari.

Pushkarasamaya

Our ancestors believe that all the waters consisting on the earth, in the sky, and the ‘Pathalaloka’ enter in the waters of Pushkara River as ‘Antervahini’. The time when one drinks water at the time of ‘Pushkara’ is called ‘Pushkarasamaya’.

In Hindu philosophy, utmost significance is given to taking a bath in a flowing river which is called ‘Nithyakarma’. God has given us a beautiful life to live in this magnificent world. When ever a pilgrim wants to have a holy bath in a river, he should chant the following sloka:

Gange ca Yamune caiva Godavari Saraswathi
Narmada Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru

(In this water, I invoke the presence of divine waters from the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri. These rivers are considered as Goddesses and I pray to them for bestowing their blessings on me.)

Taking a bath in a Pushkara river helps one in cleansing the inner self, washing out tendencies and opening up a path for a righteous living. The bath should be taken early in the morning before Sunrise. It is believed that ‘Pushkarasnana’ also has a great curative influence on all kinds of ill health. After the bath, one has to pray and give ‘Arghya’ to the concerned Pushkaratheertha; Theertha Raja- Jupiter, Lord Vishnu who is eternally present in all the Theerthas, and the Sun-God.

Pithruyagna – Pithrushraaddha & Pitrutharpana

The ritual of offering ‘Pithrushraaddha’ and ‘Pitrutharpana’ called ‘Pithruyagna’ is prescribed to get discharged from the debt of our ancestors. It has to be performed on the banks of the sacred ‘Pushkara Theertha’. It is in practice that Pushkarashraaddha is performed on any day of Pushkaram. It is believed that the departed souls descend on earth during Pushkara days and reside on the banks of Pushkara river longing for their progeny to perform ‘Pithrukarma’.

Final Word

Performing Pushkara rituals, one will be bestowed with peace and prosperity to the family. It will also work as a remedy for various worldly problems one faces in life related to marriage, progeny, health, and wealth. During the Pushkara period, ‘Snana’, ‘Shraaddha’ and ‘Dana’ are considered to be highly auspicious that give eternal and auspicious results to one’s family. Charity can be given to the Brahmins in the form of ‘Dasa Dana’ or ‘Shodasa Dana’.

Some of the significant charities are as follows: Cookedrice, gold, silver, a piece of land, rice, ghee, jaggery, honey, a sacred book like the Gita, vasthra, chappals, umbrella, a walking stick, palm fan, cot, fruits, bell, brass or silver vessel, mat, a pot of water, ‘nava dhanyalu’, milk, honey, cow, and salagramam.

Pushkaram is a huge river-based festival participated by lakhs of people including foreign tourists and is performed along the path of a particular river. Since time immemorial, the Hindus consider rivers as divine. The worship of a river in the form of Pushkaram is performed to make mankind realise the significance of water in normal life.

Aswamedha phalam caiva laksha godanjam phalam
Prapnothi snanamatrena gouthamyam simhage guru

According to Puranas, a pilgrim gets simply the result of performing aswamedha yaga if he takes a holy dip in the waters of the river during the pushkaram. He also gets easily the result of donating one lakh cows if he takes a bath in time of pushkaram.

It is our spiritual responsibility to respect and follow the tradition and culture pioneered by our ancient sages and ancestors with ardent piety and keen foresight and to perform the Pushkara rituals for the redemption of our sins, betterment in life and finally to attain salvation.

The Descent of the Ganga

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Legend – The Descent of the Ganga

The legend of the descent of the Ganga is in the Bala Kanda of the Ramayana. The young princes Rama and Lakshmana are travelling with Sage Vishwamitra at his request to protect the Vedic rituals that he is conducting from demons that were constantly disrupting it.

After this mission was accomplished, they were on their way to Mithila to see the famous bow of Lord Shiva. They soon came to the River Ganga and made a mini-ashram by the bank of the river. After bathing, performing pujas and having their meal, Sage Vishwamitra told them the story of Ganga, brought down to the earth by the ancestors of Rama and Lakshmana.

descent of the Ganga - Ramayana

Importance of Ganga

The Ganga is the most important river in India. Emerging at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas, the river at its origin is called Bhagirathi and only from Devaprayag, where the river meets Alakananda is the name Ganga used.

Gangotri is one of the Chota Chardham pilgrimage sites (the four sites are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath). A temple to Ganga Devi is situated on the right bank of River Bhagirathi in the Gangotri village.

A stone slab near the temple is known as Bhagirath Shila as it is believed to be where King Bhagiratha meditated to bring Ganga down to earth.

Himalayas

The Himalaya is the king of mountains, a storehouse of minerals. To Himavan, the deity presiding over the Himalayas, were born two daughters: Ganga and Uma. The Gods asked Himavan for Ganga who later turned into a river, capable of purifying the world and who would carve her way through air or even underground, according to her own free will. How could that be achieved?

On earth, long, long ago, there lived a very pious king, Sagara by name, who ruled over Ayodhya. His first wife was Keshini, a daughter of the king of Vidarbha. His second wife was Sumati, the sister of Garuda, the king of birds. King Sagara and his wives performed penances in the Himalayas and were given boons by Sage Brighu: one of Sagara’s wives would bear a son who would perpetuate the race while the other would bear 60,000 sons who would be mighty warriors.

In due course, Keshini gave birth to a son Asamanja and Sumati to 60,000 male offspring. Asamanja grew up to be a cruel fellow and was expelled from the kingdom. His son, Amsuman, on the other hand, was beloved of all the subjects.

One day, King Sagara decided to perform a horse sacrifice. The horse was allowed to roam at will. Amsuman who had by then become a great car-warrior, played the role of attending to the horse.

The Descent of the Ganga

Lord Indra, disguised as a rakshasa, stole the horse away. King Sagara sent out the 60,000 sons of Sumati to retrieve the horse. The 60,000 warriors searched here, there, everywhere; but the horse was to be found nowhere. Then they started excavating the earth to check the underground regions.

The nagas, demons, ogres and other beings inhabiting the subterranean regions let out a roar and went to Brahma to complain that the sons of Sagara were destroying all beings coming in front of them suspecting that they had interfered with the yagna. Brahma appeased them saying that the excavation of the earth happened in every Kalpa; and that Vishnu, the consort of Bhumi Devi, the earth, would take care of the sons of Sagara.

Meanwhile, the 60,000 went back to King Sagara who advised them to continue their search into the underworld, Rasaatala, the penultimate subterranean region. The 60,000 did as they were bid. And soon in Rasaatala, they saw the horse! Ah! Success! Nearby was a sage who appeared to be in deep meditation. It was Vishnu as Sage Kapila. The 60,000 immediately jumped to the conclusion that the robber was in front of them and shouted, “Here is the thief pretending to be a yogi”.

Sage Kapila, disturbed in meditation, opened his eyes and the 60,000 princes were reduced to a heap of ash. This was the intention of Lord Indra who had, on purpose, led the horse to the ashram after stealing it.

Days passed by. King Sagara now called Amsuman and told him to go in search of his uncles in the nether regions. Amsuman followed the path dug by his uncles and soon came across the horse grazing peacefully but also a heap of ash, which he was told were his uncles. He desired to offer water to their spirits but not a drop could he find there.

The king of birds, Garuda, now appeared and advised Amsuman,

“O Prince! Understand that the death of your 60,000 uncles is actually to ensure the descent of Ganga onto Earth. Ganga is capable of purifying the entire earth. It is the water of the Ganga that will enable the souls of the 60,000 princes to achieve salvation”.

Amsuman took the horse and went back to King Sagara and told him all. King Sagara completed his yagna. After Sagara, Amsuman and then his son, Dileep, became kings. They undertook penances to hit upon a plan to bring Ganga down to earth, but in vain. It was Amsuman’s grandson and Dileep’s son Bhagiratha who was finally successful. He performed severe austerities on Mount Gokarna in the Himalayas.

Brahma granted him the wish of bringing down Ganga on earth and advised that Lord Shiva be invoked to support Ganga when she descends onto the earth.

Bhagirathi River at Gangotri
Bhagirathi River at Gangotri

Seven Streams – Tripathagaa

Lord Shiva and his consort Uma, appeared jointly in front of Bhagiratha and agreed to let Ganga descend from the heavens onto the blessed head of Lord Shiva. But when she reached the matted coils of Lord Shiva’s head, she could not find a way out. So Bhagiratha once again undertook penances. Lord Shiva released Ganga into Lake Bindusara; while being released, it got split into seven streams.

Three ran east, three ran west and the seventh followed the chariot of Bhagiratha. This earned Ganga the name ‘Tripathagaa’, the river following a ‘threefold path’ (the three paths are also referred to as heaven, earth and the nether worlds).

Ganga flowed, now swiftly, now slowly; now a thin stream, now a broad river. The river inundated the sacrificial mound of Sage Jahnu, a performer of miracles, who was performing a sacrifice. Furious, the sage drank up the entire river. The Gods, Rishis – everyone was stunned – and glorified the sage.

Devprayag_-_Confluence_of_Bhagirathi_and_Alaknanda
Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda (right) and Bhagirathi (left), and the beginning of the Ganges.

He was pleased and discharged the Ganga through his ears. Hence, the Ganga is also known as Jahnavi, the daughter of Jahnu. Once again, the river followed the path of Bhagiratha’s chariot, filled the excavation, reached Rasaatala, washed over the heap of ashes and liberated the souls of the 60,000 princes.

– Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi

Click here to learn about the Narmada River

Narmada River / Narmada Pushkaras

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Narmada River

There are many legends behind the birth of the Narmada River. The origin and glories of the Narmada River are mentioned in Matsya, Kurma and Skanda Puranas along with Harivamsa, Shatapatha Brahmana, Ramayana and Mahabharata.

While it is said in the Ramayana that the birthplace of Narmada was a part of the Ayodhya kingdom, Mahabharata says that after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas spent some time in Amarkantak, the birthplace of Narmada.

Narmada River - Narmada Pushkaras
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Narmada River – Emerged from Lord Shiva’s Body

Narmada is said to have originated from the body of Lord Shiva. Once upon a time, there was a great famine on earth. At least there is no water to drink. With this famine, all the inhabitants of the earth have suffered. Sages and Gods visited Satyaloka and prayed to Lord Brahma to save the inhabitants of Bhuloka from the terrible famine conditions.

After thinking for a while, Lord Brahma said that Lord Shiva was the only one who could save him from this situation and took all the sages and gods with him and reached Kailasa. He explained the famine situation in the world to Lord Shiva and asked him to save the inhabitants of the world.

Granting their wish, Lord Shiva sent them all away and reached with his deveri Parvati to the top of ‘Rikshaparvatam’ (mountain) and started doing penance. During this penance, drops of sweat fell from Lord Shiva’s body. Those drops turned into a stream and became a river Narmada.

Meanwhile, the river turned into a woman, bowed down to Lord Shiva and received blessings – “you will flourish with undiminished water”. After receiving blessings from Lord Shiva, Narmada turned back into a river. In this way, the Narmada River emerged from Lord Shiva’s body.

Narmada River – Lord Brahma’s tears

There is also a legend that the water from Lord Brahma’s eyes became the Narmada River. In the past, when there was a terrible famine in the world, sages and gods went to Lord Brahma, the creator, and explained the conditions of the famine and prayed to remove the famine. Hearing their prayers, Lord Brahma reached Bhuloka to see the situation for himself.

Lord Brahma saw the famine conditions in the world and the misery of the people there. Seeing all this, Lord Brahma was distressed. Tears fell from Lord Brahma’s eyes. Those drops fell down and turned into a stream and became a river, and the water of that river removed the famine of the earth.

Narmada River – Daughter of the moon

‘Narmada’ is said to be the daughter of Moon in the Harivamsam. Nagas rule the Naga kingdom in the pathaalaloka. There were also some Gandharvas in the pathaalaloka. Among them ‘Moneyus’ are Powerful.

Once Moneyus invaded the Naga kingdom defeated the Nagas and occupied Naga kingdom. After lost their kingdom, the Nagas approached Lord Vishnu and prayed to save them and restore their kingdom. Hearing their prayers Lord Vishnu advised that – “You consult Purukutsu, son of Mandhata who was born of my element. He will help you”.

Later, the Nagas approached Moon and asked him to help in provoking Purukutsu, Moon replied that you should ask for his daughter Narmada. With this the Nagas prayed to Narmada, who instigated Purukutsa. It is said that Purukutsa, enamoured by the charms of Narmada, reached the Patalaloka, defeated the Gandharvas and handed over the kingdom of Nagas to the Nagas.

The Nagadevatas were pleased and gave a boon i.e., Those who remember the names of Narmada, and Purukutsu will not be afraid of snake poison. It is said in the Harivamsa that Narmada and Purukutsu, who were in affection with each other, got married and had a son named ‘Trasadanya’.

Meanwhile, it is remarkable that people who are afraid of snakes and poisons remember and worship the river Narmada even today in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states.

Names of Narmada River
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Names of Narmada River

It is said that the name ‘Narmada’ river originated from the body of Lord Shiva and brought happiness to Lord Shiva. Narmada also has the names ‘Rudrakanyaka’ and ‘Sankari’ as it emerged from the body of Lord Shiva. The Narmada flows with loud roaring waves to reach her husband Samudra.

Hence the name ‘Rewa’ came to the river Narmada. Narmada is referred to as ‘Rewa’ river in a hymn related to Pushkaras. Along with these names ‘Somodbhava’ and ‘Mekhala Kanyaka’ are also there. Narmada has many tributaries, Bangar, Sher, Shakkar, Tawa, Chotatawa, Kanjal, Hiras River are tributaries of Narmada.

Narmada River – Fifth Largest River

The river Narmada originates at an altitude of about 1060 meters above sea level in ‘Amarakantak’ in the eastern part of the Vindhya mountain ranges, about 137 km from Anupur in the Anupur district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Narmada is the fifth largest river in the Indian subcontinent and the third largest river flowing entirely within India.

All the rivers of our country flow from west to east and join the eastern sea. But unlike that, the Narmada River flows from east to west and merges into the sea in the west. Along with this river, the Tapathi and Mahi rivers of our country also flow from east to west.

Born in Amarkantak, the Narmada River joins the Arabian Sea at Chambat, about 30 km from Barochi in Gujarat. The river travels some distance from there and plunges from a height of 80 feet at Kapidhara Falls.

The Narmada, which travels from the Mandara mountains, flows through the valleys between the Vindya and Satpura mountain ranges. This place is called Narmadaloka. Broach (Bharukachamu) at the mouth of the Narmada River flourished as a port town on the west coast during the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta empires, along with the Satavahanas, the first independent kingdom that ruled South India along with Andhra.

Through this port, the respective rulers conducted foreign trade profitably.

Meanwhile, many Shiv Lingas are rolling in the streams of the Narmada River. These are known as ‘Banalingas’. These are the most sacred. These are collected and placed in the pooja mandir and worshipped.

Projects on the Narmada River

History tells us that the construction of projects on the Narmada River started about a century ago. During the British rule in the year 1909, the construction of a project on the Narmada River for irrigation for agriculture was started for the first time.

At present there are 281 projects including small and big projects on the Narmada River. These include the Tawa Project in Hoshangabad district, the Sardar Sarovar Project in Gujarat State, Rani Avanti Bhai Sagar Project in Jabalpur district, the Omkareshwar Project in Omkareshwar Kshetra and Indira Sagar Project in Khandwa District.

The water of this river contributes a lot to the development of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Narmada Pushkaras

Pushkaras are held for the Narmada River when Bruhaspathi enters Vrishabha Rasi (Jupiter enters Taurus). The Narmada pushkaras were held earlier in the year 2012. Again this year i.e. 2024, Pushkaras will be held from 1st to 12th May. Narmada is the most holy river.

As per Puranas just touching the water of Ganga gives sanctity and just seeing Narmada gives sanctity. Darshan of Narmada, born from Lord Shiva’s body, bathing in the river, performing pujas on the banks of the river, and doing charity will result in infinite blessings.

Temples on the banks of Narmada River
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Temples on the banks of Narmada

There are many kshetras and temples on the banks of the Narmada River. Devotees will visit those places on the occasion of pushkaras for the Narmada River: Amarakantak, Maheswar, Bedhaghat, Omkareswar, Nareswar and Garudewar are important kshetras.

Amarkantak

Amarkantak is 575 km from Bhopal, 764 km from Ujjain and 120 km from Bilaspur. Pendroad Railway Station on the Indore Bilaspur Railway line is the nearest Railway Station to Amarkantak. Amarkantak is 30 km from Pendroad railway station and has a bus and private vehicle facility.

In Amarkantak, accommodation facilities are available for devotees. In Amarakantak, Sri Narmadadevi temple and Sri Amarakanteswara Swamy temple along with many other temples are important.

Maheshwar

Maheshwar is 91 km from Indore, 276 km from Bhopal, 149 km from Ujjain, 70 km from Omkareshwar, and 57 km from the district headquarters Khargone. Maheshwar has bus facilities from Khargone, Indore, and Omkareshwar.

Accommodation facilities for devotees are available in Maheswar. In Maheswar, the Fort and Big Temple complex is also there. Rajarajeswara Swamy is the main deity of Maheswar.

Bedaghat

Bedaghat is just five kilometres from Jabalpur, has bus service from Jabalpur. There is always a transport facility due to the many visitors coming to see the waterfalls here. Accommodation facilities are available for devotees in private lodges in Bedaghat. In Bedhaghat Chousath Yogini Temple is an important temple.

Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is 80 km from Indore, 70 km from Khandwa, 150 km from Ujjain and 981 km from Vijayawada. The nearest railway station to Omkareshwar is Omkareshwar Road. It is about 16 km away from Omkareshwar.

Only passenger trains stop here. So it is better to reach Indore or Khandwa and from there take a bus to Omkareshwar. Accommodation facilities are available for devotees in Dharamshalas in Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is the fourth Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Kshetra.

There are bus facilities from Vadodara to Nareshwar, which is 60 km from Vadodara, 30 km from Curzon and 40 km from Baruha. Vadodara has train facilities from major railway stations in Telugu states. Limited Accommodation facilities are available in Nareswar.

Temples on the banks of Narmada
PC – Sapthagiri Magazine

Garudeshwar

Nareswar Sri Dattatreya Swamy temple and Sri Rang Avadhootha temple are important places. Garudeshwar is 188 km from Ahmedabad and 74 km from Vadodara and has bus facilities from Vadodara. Limited Accommodation facilities are available in Garudeswar.

In Garudeswar, Sri Dattatreya Swamy temple and Sri Tembe Swamy Avadhootha temple are important places. Among the above places, Narmadapuram which is 18 kilometers from Itarsi on Itarsi-Bhopal railway line is an important place for Narmada Pushkaras.

Train facilities available to Narmadapuram from Gudur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Warangal of Telugu States.

Article posted in Sapthagiri magazine by – Dr I.L.N. Chandra Sekhar Rao