Significance of Mother Ganges
Mother Ganges is a revered personification of the Ganges river in Vaishnavism, symbolizing purity, divinity, and a nurturing presence. She represents the sacred flow of knowledge and is seen as a liberating force from material bondage. Often depicted as emanating from the lotus feet of Krishna, Mother Ganges embodies greatness and fortune, serving as a mother figure to whom people invoke surrender and acceptance. This river is also significant in literature and prayers, highlighting its spiritual importance in Indian culture.
Synonyms: Ganga, Ganges river, River ganges, Holy ganges, Sacred ganges, Mother river, Bhagirathi, Jahnavi, River ganga
In Dutch: Moeder Ganges; In Finnish: Äiti Ganges; In Spanish: Madre 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 'Mother Ganges'
Mother Ganges in Hinduism symbolizes both the physical river and a divine maternal figure. Revered for her purity and nurturing qualities, she is seen as a source of liberation and spiritual acceptance, emanating from Krishna's lotus feet.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A personification of the Ganges river, revered as a maternal figure capable of liberating individuals from material bondage.[1] (2) The Ganges is depicted as emanating from the lotus feet of Krishna and does not appear from the feet of anyone else.[2] (3) A personification of the river Ganges, regarded as a sacred entity that represents greatness and fortune.[3] (4) A river personified as a mother figure, representing purity and divinity, and is invoked in the context of acceptance and surrender to the Lord.[4]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The river Ganges, considered in this context as a representative of the Lord and a symbol of purity.[5]
The concept of Mother Ganges in local and regional sources
Mother Ganges personifies the Ganges river as a nurturing figure, symbolizing a steady flow of knowledge and serving as a sacred pilgrimage site, highlighting its spiritual significance for the people who seek solace from its waters.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A personification of the Ganges river as a nurturing figure, from whom people seek solace.[6] (2) A sacred river considered a pilgrimage site, symbolizing spiritual significance.[7] (3) Refers to the Ganges river, symbolizing a nurturing and steady flow of knowledge.[8]