The Descent of the Ganga

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

The 4 Abodes of Lord Vishnu (Char Dham)

The 4 Abodes of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver among the Trimurtis is worshipped across India. Lord Vishnu takes Avatar (incarnation) to uplift the Dharma in this world. The Dashavataras are well-known and there are many famous temples related across India that pilgrims visit every year and get blessed by Lord Vishnu.

Apart from that, many temples are grouped based on Avatars, Leelas, visits by Saints, sacred hymns, Ages, etc.

  • “Char Dham – Four Abodes” are temples at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath grouped in Uttarakhand.
  • Like that, the “Chote Char Dham–Small Four Abodes of Lord Vishnu” are grouped based on the act of Lord Vishnu.

Shaantaakaaram Bhujagashayanam Padmanaabham Suresham
Vishva Aadhaaram GaganaSadrusham Megha Varnna Shubha Angam|
LakshmiKaantam KamalaNayanam YogibhirDhyaana Gamyam
Vande Vishnum Bhava Bhaya-Haram SarvaLokaEkaNaatham ||

Badrinarayana

Badrinath, which is also called Badrikashram (10,000 feet approx. above sea level) is a place in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, Northern part of India. The first act of “Waking up of Lord Vishnu and Taking Holy Bath” is in this Divya Kshetra.

It is one of the “Swavayam Vyakta Kshetras” among the Self-Manifested 108 Vaishnavaite Divya Desams. The Lord here is known as “Badri Vishal or Badrinarayana”.

The Lord is in Padmasana posture. Legend says that this forest area was covered by Badri Trees (Berry or Jujube fruit) and Goddess Mahalakshmi took the form of Badri Tree to give shade to Lord Badrinarayana. Lord Narayana selected this place for meditation.

4 Abodes of Lord Vishnu - Badrinath

Many puranas regard this place as equivalent to heaven. River Alakananda flows in front of this shrine. People perform rituals near Brahma Kapala for their ancestors. The temple is in between Nar and Narayana mountains. Kerala priests “Namboodris” perform puja. They are also called Rawals. The puja process is set up by Adi Sankaracharya. Maha abhishekam will start early morning with ghee, yogurt, milk, sandalwood, saffron, etc., continuously chanting the mantras.

Special Abhishekam— Shravani Abhishekam is done in Shravana month. The temple is closed during winter (mid-Nov to mid-Apr). During that time, the Utsava Murthy is brought to Joshimutt (6000 feet approx.).

Before leaving for Joshimutt, the priest dresses the Lord in woolen vests and cotton muslin dresses on top of that. He is decorated with the finest silk, jewelry, and orange flowers.

Along with Badrinath, there are other deities- Narada, Uddhava, Kubera, Garuda, Silver Ganesha, Nar, and Narayana in the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum). There is Taptha Kund, a natural hot water spring where pilgrims take a holy dip. Alwars have also sung in praise of this Lord. Adi Sankaracharya has set up Mutt in Badrinath to spread the Hindu Philosophy in the north.

Dwarakdesh

Shanku Chakra Gadha pani!
Dwaraka Nilayachyuta!
Govinda Pundarikaksha!
Rakshamam Sharanagatham

Dwaraka which is also called Dev Bhoomi is in Gujarat which is the Western part of India. The second act of “Dressing up–Divya Alankar” is in this Divya Kshetra which is also one of the 108 Divya Desams. As the name mentions it’s the gateway to heaven. It is also one of the Seven Mukthi sthalas (places for Salvation).

Dwaraka is a place where Lord Krishna has set up the city built by God’s Architect Vishwakarma. All the people of Mathura were shifted to Dwaraka. The Lord here is known as ‘Dwaraka desh’. Deep daan is very divine in River Gomati. It is considered the most popular city of those times. It shows the prosperity of the place.

Dwarka

The current temple dedicated to Dwarkadesh was built by Vajranabha, grandson of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is in standing posture with four arms bearing Shanka (Conch), Chakra (Discus), Gadha (Mace), and Padma (Lotus).

The specialty of this temple is that Mother Devaki is facing Lord Krishna. There is a separate temple for Goddess Rukmini Devi. Lord Krishna of Dwaraka is beautifully decorated from the day start of Mangala Arati till Shayan Arati (Ekanta Seva) at night. After Abhishekam, the adornment starts with Pitambar (Yellow silk garments). It is like a Pyjama (Salwar type), then Vagho (one piece of cloth), and four pieces of cloth for four hands of the Lord.

The ornaments are Chandanmala, Betelnut mala, and Vaijayanthimala. The crown is named ‘Kuve’ which has Chandrakala beautifully ornamented. The conch and the discus are decorated with precious diamonds and stones. Great Acharyas, Adi Sankaracharya, and Ramanujacharya have visited this shrine. Adi Sankaracharya has set up Mutt in Badrinath to spread the Hindu Philosophy in the Western region.

Lord Jagannath

Neelachala Nivasaya Nithyaya Paramathmane!
Balabadra Subadhrabhyam Jagannathaya te namah!!

Puri Jagannath is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Mahavishnu – Ruler of the World) situated in Puri, Orissa in the Eastern part of India. The third act “Divine Dining Feast” is the world-famous richest prasadam offered. Many Puranas have mentioned the story of how Lord Jagannath, Sister Subhadra, and Brother Balaram reside in this temple.

King Indradyumna dreamt of the Lord as “Neela Madhava” and wanted to get his Darshan. He told the same to his ministers and asked them to find out how to get the Lord’s Darshan. Vidyapati, one of the Brahmin priests, set out to search and found Lord Neela Madhava prayed by a tribal group. They did not allow any of them to get the Lord’s Darshan. Vidyapati, somehow, managed to marry the daughter of the tribal chieftain and requested for the Lord’s Darshan.

Four Abodes - Jagannath Temple, Puri

They agreed on the condition that they would take him blindfolded to the place. Vidyapati agreed and got the Divine vision of the Lord. He cleverly put mustard seeds on the path which grew later and he showed the path to the King. Unfortunately, when the King reached the place, he could not find the Lord. The vexed king desperately cried for the Darshan. He heard a celestial voice informing him to come to the seashore where he could find a fragrant wood floating that could be used to carve out the Divine idol. Thus, he got the wood but was waiting for a sculptor.

Vishwakarma appeared in disguise as an artisan and informed him that he would carve the idols provided he is not disturbed until the carving is complete. He closed the door and days passed. As King did not hear any sound even after a few days, he was worried. Impatiently he opened the doors and found the idol half-complete as is seen today. The Lord informed that he would like to be in this form and bless the devotees.

As mentioned, the Lord’s naivedyam (food offering) is called Bhog (food), and the prasadam is considered sumptuous to consume. The kitchen is considered to be the largest temple Kitchen in the world. Daily Naivedyam is offered six times to the Lord. Naivedyam offered in the morning is called ‘Gopala Vallabha Bhoga’. It consists of around seven items.

At 10.00 a.m. ‘Sakala Dhupa Naivedyam’ is offered with thirteen items. Then, ‘Chatra Bhoga’ in the afternoon is given to pilgrims. Then, ‘Madhyahna Dhupa’, the heavy meal; ‘Sandhya Bhoga’ at night, and the last one is Bada ‘Simhara Bhoga’. The prasadam is called “Mahaprasad”. Around fifty-six varieties of Naivedyams are prepared in this kitchen.

The specialty of the Mahaprasad is that Goddess Mahalakshmi herself is believed to supervise the Kitchen. Cooking is done in earthen pots. There is an open market named Anand Bazar where Prasadam is sold. The Adi Sankaracharya visited the temple and set up Mutt there.

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra is world famous where millions of pilgrims flock to get the Darshan of the Lord on the gigantic chariot. Enchanting Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture gives bliss to the devotees. In the four Dhams, reclining posture is in two places from the South. Some consider that Thirupullani near Rameshwaram and Sri Rangam for Shayan (lying) are legendary. Both places are related to Srimad Ramayana.

Lord Ranganatha Swami of Srirangam

Kaveri VirajaSeyam Vaikuntam Rangamandiram!
Sa Vasudevo Rangesha: prathyaksham paramam padam!!

Srirangam is the foremost Divya Desam which is considered the resting place for Lord Vishnu. Alwars have sung the praise of Lord Ranganatha elegantly. It is Swayam Vyaktha Kshetra (Self- Manifested). Here Lord reclines on a huge Adi Sesha (Serpent). The idol was first given by Lord Vishnu to Lord Brahma, then to the Ikshvaku dynasty, and finally to Vibheeshana by Lord Rama himself.

Lord Ranganatha wished to reside on the banks of River Kaveri and Kollidam. Ekanta Seva is unique in Srirangam, especially during Ira Pathu Seva. This practice was started by Ramanuja. Sri Ramanujacharya served this temple for many years.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam (Divya Desam)
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam (Divya Desam)

 

The unique playing of Veena is soothing to hear. Adi Sankaracharya visited this temple. Many hymns highlight the beauty of Sri Rangam temple. The greenery in this temple is considered to be equivalent to Sri Vaikuntam which made the Lord rest happily in this place.

Many songs question the Lord why he is reclining; is it because he walked with Sita Devi in the forest or he had danced on snake Kaliya or walked to get three steps of land from Mahabali? The beauty of the Lord is to the fullest when the Lord is in a reclining posture as seen in Sri Rangam.

Wherever the Lord is, whatever he does, it gives ecstasy to the devotees as they visit the temples for Darshan and blessings. At each place, he is celebrated with pomp and glory. His beauty steals the minds of the devotees.

In the North, he does penance for the wellness of the world; in the West, he shows his beautiful form by dressing himself which cools the minds of the devotees; in the East, he wants to feed the devotees, in the South, he wanted to maintain peace and give salvation to his devotees. Thus, he is ready to save the world from the clutches of the wicked and guards from all sides by performing simple acts.

Lord Adi Jagannatha of Thirupullani

Thirupullani (near Rameshwaram), is the Southern Divya Desam, where Lord Rama is in a reclining posture. Here Lord is in ‘Yoga Nidra’ pose. The temple is one of 108 Divya Desams. It’s on the way to Rameshwaram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Adi Jagannatha perumal.

It is believed that King Dasaratha first performed Putra Kameshti Yagna in this place and later in Ayodhya. In the same temple is another important shrine where Lord Rama is in reclining posture on Darbha Grass. It is believed that Lord Rama did penance for the Lord of the Ocean (Sagara) to give way to reach Lanka. Alwars have praised the Lord in this Divya Desam. Pitru Tharpana (rituals for ancestors) are performed in Sethu Samudra (on the shores of Sethu). As devotees, we are blessed by visiting these places.