Significance of Ganges water
Ganges water is revered in Hinduism for its purifying properties and spiritual significance. It is sourced from the sacred Ganges River and is used in various religious practices, symbolizing cleanliness and devotion. The water is believed to cleanse sins and is associated with divine blessings, making it essential in rituals and offerings to deities like Krishna. Regardless of external impurities, Ganges water represents spiritual essence and purity, embodying a crucial aspect of devotion and cultural significance within Indian beliefs.
Synonyms: Ganga water, Ganges river water, Sacred water, Holy water, River water, Sacred river water
In Dutch: Gangeswater
In Finnish: Ganges vesi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ganges water'
In Buddhism, Ganges water symbolizes purity and spiritual significance, representing offerings to the Bodhisatta, the intersection of nature and fate, and the divine assistance in important discoveries, enhancing the narrative's depth and meaning.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the water from the Ganges river that intermixed with the Crab Tarn, resulting in the eventual fate of the Crab's claws.[1] (2) The river nearby which played a crucial role in the story by housing the fallen fruit and aiding in the King's discovery of it.[2] (3) The water from the Ganges River which the pilgrim offered to the Bodhisatta, infused with wild wood odours.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Ganges water'
Ganges water in Hinduism symbolizes purity and spiritual significance, utilized in rituals for cleansing, despite worldly impurities. It embodies divine qualities, believed to bestow spiritual benefits and serve as a medium for devotion and connection to the divine.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the sacred river in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and the act of self-dedication by Shrivasa Pandita.[4] (2) The waters of the Ganges River, symbolizing a significant and sacred body of water in Indian culture.[5] (3) The waters of the Ganges River, known for their religious significance and as a site for various activities.[6] (4) Refers to the sacred water of the Ganges River, which is known for its religious significance and purity in Hindu beliefs.[7] (5) Sacred water collected by Duhkhi for the Lord, which symbolizes purification and devotion.[8]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The celestial Ganga water that is described in the text, renowned for its purifying qualities.[9] (2) Water from the Ganges River, symbolically used to represent purity, which contrasts with the impurity of liquor.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Signifies the sacred and purifying essence associated with the Ganga River, highlighted for its role in the personality's description.[11]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Symbolic representation of purity and cleansing, akin to the spiritual benefits derived from serving the Lord.[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Holy water from the Ganges River, used by Sukhananda Prabhu in his massages for its spiritual significance and believed healing properties.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Considered holy and purifying, yet its efficacy is questioned for those with impure intentions.[14] (2) Considered highly purifying; bathing in it or merely touching it is said to yield immense religious benefits.[15] (3) Holy water from the Ganges river, often used in rituals for its purifying properties and spiritual significance.[16] (4) The holy water of the Devi Ganga, believed to have purifying properties capable of erasing sins accumulated over many lifetimes.[17]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The divine water that will carry the flowers called Kamoda to the demon, indicating purity and sacredness.[18] (2) Reflecting the sacredness of the Ganges, the water from Vishnu's feet is described as purifying and a means to attain salvation.[19] (3) Water from the holy river Ganges, often associated with cleansing and spiritual purification.[20] (4) The sacred water in which individuals bathe to achieve freedom from sins.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Regarded as the purest and most sin-destroying water, mentioned as equivalent when people remember the Ganges while near water.[22] (2) A sacred water source in Hinduism believed to purify and grant spiritual benefits when consumed or touched.[23] (3) Water from the river Ganga, recognized for its purifying qualities and association with the destruction of sins, especially significant during Caturmasya.[24]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A sacred water source that holds significant importance in the rituals; it is to be used for consecrating the image of Lord Varuna.[25]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Considered the purest water, believed to cleanse sins and confer spiritual merit.[26]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Water from the Ganges River, which plays a significant role in the tale where the Brahman’s wife goes to fetch it.[27] (2) A symbol of purity and renewal in the context of Mrigankadatta's father performing penance and spirituality in Varanasi.[28]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Waters carried by Agastya in his kamandala for his journey south, representing the sacredness and cultural significance of the river.[29]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) Sacred water brought by the river Ganga used to anoint the goddess Shri.[30]
The concept of Ganges water in local and regional sources
Ganges water symbolizes purity and divinity, often misjudged by societal standards, highlighting the contrast between true value and worldly perceptions that overlook its significant spiritual essence.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Represents purity and divinity; its comparison to sewerage highlights how true value and worth can be misjudged by societal standards.[31] (2) Symbolizes purity and divinity, contrasted against worldly perceptions that fail to recognize its true significance.[32]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolically represents purification and rejuvenation in Indian culture, as referenced in the novel to establish a connection with life and death.[33]
The concept of Ganges water in scientific sources
Ganges water, sourced from the Ganges River, is reported to be highly contaminated with enteropathogenic bacteria, indicating significant public health concerns associated with water quality in this region.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Ganges water refers to the water from the Ganges River, which in this study was found to be highly contaminated with enteropathogenic bacteria.[34]