1976 Ganga Saptami date for Lancaster, California, United States

1976 Ganga Saptami

Ganga Saptami day is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This day is also known as Ganga Pujan and Ganga Jayanti as Ganga was reborn on this day.

According to Hindu Mythology Ganga was descended to the Earth on Ganga Dussehra day. When mighty Ganga was descended to the Earth, Lord Shiva took her in His hairs to break Ganga's descent to avoid Ganga sweeping the whole Earth away. Later Lord Shiva released Ganga so that she can accomplish her mission to purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors.

While on her way to kingdom of Bhagiratha, her mighty flow and gushing turbulent water destroyed the Ashram of sage Jahnu. This angered Sage Jahnu and he drank up all of Ganga's water. Upon this, Bhagiratha and the Gods prayed to Rishi Jahnu to release Ganga so that she could proceed on her mission. Pleased with prayers Jahnu released Ganga from his ear.

According to legends Jahnu Rishi released Ganga from his ear on Saptami of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha. Because of this legend this day is also known as Jahnu Saptami. Ganga is also known as Jahnavi, the daughter of Rishi Jahnu.

On Ganga Saptami devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take bath in Ganges. Taking bath in Ganges on Ganga Saptami day is considered highly auspicious.

Ganga Jayanti Puja Vidhi

According to the description found in Vratraja, the Ganga Saptami Vrat should be observed during the Madhyahna Vyapini Tithi, i.e., the day when Saptami Tithi prevails during midday. However, whether Saptami prevails during midday on both days or none of the days, or if Saptami occurs even partially on the day of Shashthi, then for Ganga Saptami Vrat, the Saptami Tithi that is combined with Shashthi, i.e., Shashthi-Viddha Saptami should be observed. This is because, according to Yugma Vakya, in the context of determining the Saptami Vrat, the Shashthi-Yukta Saptami, i.e., Saptami associated with Shashthi should be accepted.

On Ganga Jayanti, one should take a ritual bath in Ganga early in the morning according to proper procedure. If bathing in the Ganga is not possible, then one should bathe in any other water source or with clean water at home and wear clean clothes.

Thereafter, in a vessel made of gold or other fine metals, one should draw or install a serene image of Goddess Ganga, depicted with three eyes, four arms, fully adorned, holding a jewel pot, dressed in white garments, and seated in Varada and Abhaya Mudra. Alternatively, one may sit before an actual idol or at the banks of the Ganga.

Then, after invoking the Goddess, perform the Shodashopachara Puja of Goddess Ganga. After Puja, recite the following Mantra and offer Pushpanjali to the Goddess -

After offering five Pushpanjali with the above Mantra, one should worship King Bhagiratha, who brought Ganga to the earthly realm, and Sage Jahnu, who released Her from his ear. Thereafter, worship Himavana, the King of Mountains, from whom Goddess Ganga manifested.

Then, while chanting the Mantra "Gangayai Namah", one should donate ten fruits, ten Diyas, and ten seers of sesame seeds. Additionally, balls made of Sattu, i.e., roasted flour mixed with Ghee and jaggery should be offered into the waters of the Ganga.

After completing the worship of Goddess Ganga in this manner, one should feed ten Brahmins. After the meal, the Brahmins should be honored with sandalwood, garlands, clothes, and other offerings. If the observer of the Vrat is capable, one should donate one thousand pots as part of this auspicious Ganga Vrat. By doing so, one attains inexhaustible merit.

If a woman who follows Dharma observes the Ganga Saptami Vrat with devotion, then by the power of this supremely meritorious Vrat, seven generations from her maternal home, seven from her in law's house, and seven from her mother's maternal lineage are liberated. This Vrat helps one cross the ocean of worldly existence and fulfills all desires. Therefore, it is also known as the Sarvakamaprada Vrat, i.e., the fast that Grants All Wishes.