Significance of Holy Ganges
Holy Ganges is a sacred river in India that embodies purification and spiritual grace, celebrated in Vaishnavism and Purana. It is believed to offer immense rewards through acts such as bathing, which not only purifies individuals but also grants them spiritual blessings. The river, linked to Krishna’s divine essence and significant in rituals like the immersion of ashes, holds profound importance in Hindu culture. However, it is suggested that its power diminishes for those with impure hearts, highlighting the significance of inner purity.
Synonyms: Sacred ganges, River ganga, Ganges river, Divine ganges, Holy river, Divine ganga, Pious ganges
In Dutch: Heilige Ganges; In Finnish: Pyhä Ganges; In Spanish: Sagrado Ganges
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Holy Ganges'
The Holy Ganges in Hinduism is a sacred river symbolizing purification and spiritual grace, celebrated for its beauty and significance, offering immense rewards through bathing while highlighting the importance of purity in spiritual practice.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Bathing in the Ganges, which bestows immense rewards including purification and extended residence in the temple of Hari.[1] (2) A sacred river in India, which is honored in spiritual practice but may not hold significance for those whose hearts are impure.[2]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to the Ganges river, celebrated for its beauty and the spiritual significance attributed to it by Rama and the sages.[3] (2) The sacred river where individuals plunged to purify themselves before crossing.[4]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A river symbolizing purity, rendered inferior when compared to Krishna’s holiness.[5]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A sacred river in India that symbolizes purification and spiritual grace.[6]
The concept of Holy Ganges in local and regional sources
Holy Ganges, a sacred river in India, symbolizes purity, divine essence, and Hindus' spiritual practices, including the immersion of ashes, while also embodying life's lessons and struggles, and representing fertility through its divine origins.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A sacred river in India, representing purity and the divine, from which the author draws a parallel to life's lessons and struggles.[7] (2) The sacred river in India where the immersion of ashes is traditionally performed by Hindus.[8] (3) A sacred river in India whose descent signifies divine blessings and fertility.[9]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A sacred river in Hinduism that is said to have originated from Krishna's big toe.[10]