Significance of Ganga
Synonyms: Ganges, Ganga river, Holy river, Sacred river
In Dutch: Ganga; In Finnish: Ganga; In Spanish: Ganga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ganga'
In Buddhism, Ganga symbolizes both a significant river associated with Paccekabuddhas' meals, highlighting reliance on offerings, and a physical boundary signifying conflict, as seen in the Licchavi princes' concerns about Vassakara's crossing.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A major river in India where the Paccekabuddhas partook their meals, significant in the context of Venerable Bhaddiya's offerings.[1] (2) The river that the Licchavi princes were concerned about Vassakara crossing, signifying a physical border between the two factions.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Ganga'
In Hinduism, Ganga symbolizes purity and spiritual significance, personified as a goddess who purifies and sustains, plays a vital role in rituals, and is associated with divine grace and significant historical events.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Another river, depicted as being connected to Sarasvati in a narrative of companionship.[3] (2) An important river in Hinduism considered sacred and often associated with purification and salvation.[4] (3) A sacred river in Hinduism, which the tank associated with Nupureshvara is said to be equivalent to in terms of spiritual benefit.[5] (4) The sacred river in Indian tradition whose waters are venerated for their purifying qualities, particularly associated with spiritual practices in Kashi.[6] (5) A holy river in Hinduism, revered for its spiritual cleansing and ritual significance.[7]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A sacred river that plays a crucial role in the spiritual redemption of king Dasharatha and the fulfillment of Rama's duties.[8] (2) The sacred river waters where the Fire-god Havyavahana sought refuge during the disruption of the sacrifice.[9] (3) A sacred river referenced in rituals, known to cleanse sins and associated with many significant events in Hindu traditions.[10] (4) A sacred river into which Sarasvati flows, symbolizing the union of divine waters.[11] (5) A significant river in the narrative that serves as a pivotal point for many other holy rivers and their convergence.[12]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism, whose waters are believed to purify and bless those who bathe in it.[13] (2) A reference made to the river Sabhramati, indicating its equivalence in sanctity to the holy river Ganga.[14] (3) The river where Shona and Kala found a treasure while bathing.[15] (4) A sacred river in Hindu tradition that is believed to purify and enhance devotion to Vishnu.[16] (5) The holy river which is said to have originated from Vishnu's foot and is considered auspicious in Hindu belief.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A river, symbolically mentioned to convey grace and the elegance of mobility of Suyodhana’s army.[18] (2) The sacred river which is significant in Hindu mythology, where Bhishma lived and performed spiritual activities.[19] (3) The river goddess who bore the seed of Agni, representing both purity and the capacity to endure great energy.[20]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The river bank where a significant incident relating to the king’s found son occurred, highlighting themes of destiny and lineage.[21] (2) The sacred river in Hindu belief, considered to have purifying qualities.[22] (3) Symbolizes purity and spiritual flow, analogous to the devotee's mind that flows toward the divine through devotion.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Another divine figure who engages in a quarrel with Sarasvati and is also considered a holy river, known for her purifying powers.[24] (2) A sacred river and a divine being; the wife of Narayana, born from the bodies of Radha and Krishna and characterized by extraordinary beauty and purity.[25] (3) A beautiful divine figure encountered by King Revata during his visit to Brahmaloka.[26]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The holy river that was drunk by King Jahnu during a sacrificial rite, leading to her being personified as his daughter.[27] (2) The term used to describe the seven renowned rivers named within the text, including Anutapta and Sukhi.[28]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) A revered river in Hinduism known for its religious significance, mentioned in comparison to the Vitasta.[29]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The sacred river that holds immense significance in the text and is worshipped by Sita.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The wife of Shantanu, mother of Bhishma.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The river that Jahnu drank up, representing a significant event in the narrative that connects the divine and human actions.[32]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The divine river that is sought to be brought down to earth by king Bhagiratha, symbolizing purity and spiritual liberation.[33]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism, often referenced in rituals and symbolizes purity.[34]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Ganga is a revered sacred river described in the text.[35] (2) A river that is significant in religious contexts and is noted as the starting point for the sacred rivers.[36] (3) the Ganga, a major river in India.[37] (4) The Ganga is a river that becomes a leader of a group of gopis in the given text.[38] (5) Ganga is mentioned as one of the important figures in the text.[39]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A reference to the feminine aspect of the Ganges river, personified and revered in Hindu tradition.[40] (2) Ganga is one of the revered mother figures mentioned in the address to Shacidevi, representing holiness and purification.[41] (3) A sacred river in India that is worshiped as one of the four forms of Krishna.[42] (4) The sacred river in India, regarded as divine and purifying, where devotees bathe as part of their worship.[43] (5) A sacred river in Hinduism, equated with mother Shaci in the provided text, indicating her sanctity and reverence.[44]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A river that Vishvarupa crosses before accepting sannyasa.[45] (2) A sacred river that Mother Shaci mentions in the context of her deep sorrow and potential self-harm if her son leaves.[46] (3) A sacred river in India, significant in the text as a place for bathing and spiritual activities.[47] (4) The sacred river that Lord Gaura crossed as part of His journey, symbolizing a transition.[48] (5) The holy river where Lord Gaura and his devotees bathe, signifying purification and divine pastime.[49]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A sacred river revered in Hinduism, used as a point of comparison to illustrate the superior glories of Shri Yamuna.[50] (2) The holy river that represents purification and is linked to the sacredness of the lotus feet of Shri Krishna.[51] (3) A sacred river in Hinduism, compared in merit to the results obtained from visiting Keshi-tirtha.[52]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A holy river in India, revered in Hinduism and associated with purification and spiritual significance.[53] (2) A holy river in India, whose waters are said to purify sins, although the association with devotees is considered more effective for spiritual cleansing.[54] (3) A sacred river in India, symbolizing spiritual purity and transcendence despite visible impurities.[55]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The river Ganges, which is considered auspicious and carries holy water.[56] (2) The river Ganges, considered sacred in Hinduism, believed to purify the soul and provide spiritual benefits.[57]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the story of the genesis of the river, included as an extra narrative in epic tales.[58]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism that is believed to have purifying qualities, helping to cleanse sins upon bathing.[59] (2) A river whose name signifies its origin; used as an analogy to illustrate naming principles within the context of philosophical or legal discussions.[60]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A river personified as a goddess in Hindu culture, invoked for her blessings and protection during the rituals.[61]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The riverbank where Harsha’s army was encamped at the conclusion of the Harshacarita.[62]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) The sacred river personifying purity and spiritual significance in Hinduism, linked to Dattatreya's lore.[63]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) A river personified as a female deity, linked to Siva, who symbolizes both nurturing and the tumultuous aspects of nature.[64]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A holy river considered sacred in Hindu belief, which is a source of purification and spiritual significance.[65]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Ganga refers to a lady observed by Parvati sitting on the head of her husband, representing a pivotal image in the narrative that is shrouded in secrecy.[66]
From: Vasudevavijaya of Vasudeva (Study)
(1) A significant river mentioned in the text, used to draw comparisons and illustrate distinct characteristics.[67]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism, often associated with purification and spiritual significance.[68]
Jain concept of 'Ganga'
In Jainism, Ganga represents both a sacred river associated with life and purity, and a symbol of calamity when it overflows, impacting nearby regions. It also connects to various mythological and historical narratives, emphasizing its spiritual significance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A river in which Samudravijaya’s younger brother is thrown, symbolizing a place of significance in the narrative.[69] (2) The water that, along with Kritavarman's glory, reached the ocean, delighting the earth.[70] (3) A sacred river associated with purity, related to the imagery of the golden lotus growing in water.[71] (4) A sacred and significant river that played a major role in the figure's conquests.[72] (5) The river Ganga is symbolically referenced as a source of rejuvenation and comfort for the king's army.[73]
The concept of Ganga in local and regional sources
Ganga represents a sacred river in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spirituality, with deep ties to rituals, folklore, and philosophical insights. It embodies cultural and spiritual significance, deeply influencing India's civilization and religious practices.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The sacred river in India, which is considered holy and purifying, often associated with spiritual practices and rituals.[74] (2) The sacred river whose source is Gangadwar, representing purity and spiritual awakening in Hindu belief.[75]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism, mentioned in the context of rituals versus internal spiritual devotion, reflecting Tyagaraja's teachings.[76] (2) The river symbolizing India's civilization in Nehru's reflections, mentioned in his will.[77]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) The goddess personifying the Ganges River, regarded as a divine river in Hinduism.[78]
From: Folk Tradition of Bengal (and Rabindranath Tagore)
(1) A symbol of purity and spirituality, referenced in Baul philosophy, which Tagore connects to the quest for knowledge and understanding of the deeper truths of life.[79]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The river mentioned in various folklore where children were placed in baskets or boxes, similar to the Gamarala's daughter.[80]