Significance of Ganga river
The Ganga river holds tremendous significance across various philosophies and religions. In Buddhism, it symbolizes a purifying spiritual journey. Jainism recognizes it for its beauty and significance in Varanasi, while Vaishnavism highlights its nurturing aspects. The Purana depicts Ganga as a holy river, essential for spiritual cleansing and liberation. Revered in Hinduism, it grants purification and the ability to wash away sins. Furthermore, its historical and geographical importance ties it to Indian culture. Overall, the Ganga river represents a profound symbol of purity and sacredness.
Synonyms: Ganges, Ganga, Ganges river, River ganga, Holy river, Mother ganga, Holy ganga
In Dutch: Ganga rivier; In German: Der Ganges; In Finnish: Ganga joki; In Spanish: Río Ganges
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 river'
In Buddhism, the Ganga river symbolizes significant spiritual events, including the Buddha's crossing, teachings near Ukkacela, and moments of enlightenment, reflecting its role in purification and the spiritual journey of devotees.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The river where Sirivaddha was enjoying a water-sport when he encountered the Paccekabuddha.[1] (2) The river near Ukkacela where the Buddha gave a discourse.[2] (3) The river witnessed during the events, noted for its significance and the Buddha's crossing, symbolizing deeper spiritual concepts.[3]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A sacred river referred to in the stanza, symbolizing purifying and spiritual journey.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Ganga river'
The Ganga river in Hinduism symbolizes purity and spiritual significance, representing a sacred conduit for purification, rituals, and divine blessings, crucial for spiritual sustenance and the removal of sins throughout various narratives and practices.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A river known globally, revered for its spiritual significance and flowing in three pathways.[5] (2) A sacred river in Hinduism, frequently visited for rituals and spiritual purification.[6] (3) A sacred river that originates from the Himalaya and flows into the sea in the east.[7] (4) A sacred river in Hinduism, often associated with purity and spiritual cleansing.[8] (5) A highly revered river regarded as exceptional for purification and spiritual cleansing practices among Hindus.[9]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A sacred river that flows from the head of Mahadeva, known for its purity and the ability to destroy sins.[10] (2) A sacred river in the text, symbolizing purity and the removal of sins.[11] (3) A sacred river in Hinduism, associated with purification and divinity, crucial for spiritual sustenance.[12] (4) The Ganga river is a holy river in India, where bathing and performing rituals are believed to purify the soul.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The sacred river where Yudhishthira is seen mourning, connecting the scene to themes of purification and spirituality.[14] (2) The holy river where the water-rite took place, symbolizing purity and the sacred connection to the divine.[15] (3) A highly revered river in Indian culture, noted for its purifying properties and association with virtue.[16]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A sacred river requested by Gautama to be stationed within Lord Shiva's matted hair as a boon to purify sins.[17] (2) A sacred river in Hindu belief, symbolizing purity and a means to achieve spiritual and worldly benefits.[18] (3) A sacred river whose waters are believed to bestow salvation and peace when worshipped properly.[19]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The river that was brought to Earth by the efforts of King Bhagiratha, tying it to his lineage's significance.[20] (2) The Ganga river, also referred to as the divine river Tripathaga, flows from the Bindu Lake and is sacred to numerous regions and climes.[21]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) A river that removes all sins and flows from the divine, washed with the waters associated with deities.[22] (2) The sacred river from which Jahnu drank dry when his sacrificial enclosure was flooded.[23]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A river that descended to earth representing purity and the flow of life, having divided itself into seven.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A celestial river with its origins in the nail of Vishnu's foot, associated with purification and spiritual significance.[25]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Symbolic of sacredness and purity, representing the waters that flow from the Lord's feet and grant auspiciousness.[26]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The sacred river in which the intolerable semen of lord Shiva was deposited after Himavat experienced distress.[27]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) A famous river highlighted as part of the significant waterways in the geographic context.[28] (2) A river mentioned in the poetic conventions that is affectionately described as the beloved of the seven oceans.[29] (3) The holy river of Hindus flowing through northern and western India.[30] (4) Holy river of the Hindus, flowing through northern and western India.[31]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) By 1200 Before Common Era, the Aryans inhabited the upper reaches of the Ganga River in the Panjab area.[32]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A significant river where Kharavela is said to have watered his elephants, symbolizing his conquests in the region.[33]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Symbolizes the source of true nourishment and fulfillment, contrasting with the idea of digging a well for water.[34]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spiritual significance, which in this context springs from the queen's nurturing nature.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A holy river in India known for its purifying qualities, symbolizing spiritual cleansing.[36]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A holy river mentioned in the narrative, known for its purifying qualities and association with Shiva.[37]
Jain concept of 'Ganga river'
In Jainism, the Ganga river symbolizes both physical beauty and spiritual significance, particularly highlighted by its association with Varanasi, a city revered for its cultural and religious importance.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The river on which Varanasi is located, known for its significance and beauty.[38]
The concept of Ganga river in local and regional sources
The Ganga river is a sacred and spiritually significant river in India, associated with purity and revered by Vaishnavas. It is also noted as the site where Bhanudas was discovered, emphasizing its cultural importance.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The sacred river in India, symbolizing purity and spiritual significance, where the Vaishnavas camped.[39] (2) The location where Bhanudas was found, which is a significant and sacred river in India.[40]
The concept of Ganga river in scientific sources
The Ganga river in India is characterized by significant pollution levels, posing serious health risks to the nearby population and underscoring the critical need for environmental management and public health initiatives in the region.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A river in India noted for high levels of pollution and associated health risks, particularly affecting the surrounding population's health.[41]