Ganga Stotram Lyrics: Celebrating Ganga Dussehra 2024
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the sacred month of Jyeshtha holds significant importance as it marks the descent of Goddess Ganga to Earth. This event is celebrated with great enthusiasm as Ganga Dussehra. The tenth day (Dashami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha is believed to be the day when the divine river Ganga descended to the Earth. This year, Ganga Dussehra will be celebrated on June 16, 2024
The Significance of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that holds profound religious and spiritual significance. It is believed that bathing in the holy river Ganga on this day cleanses one's sins and brings blessings of prosperity and peace. Devotees from across the country flock to the banks of the Ganga to take a holy dip, offer prayers, and perform various rituals.
Ganga Stotram Lyrics: A Sacred Hymn
The Ganga Stotram is a revered hymn dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Composed by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, this stotra is a powerful invocation seeking the blessings of the divine river. Reciting the Ganga Stotram is believed to purify the soul and invoke divine grace.
Ganga Stotram Lyrics:
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देवि सुरेश्वरी भगवति गंगे त्रिभुवनतारिणि तरलतरंगे।
शंकरमौलिविहारिणि विमले मम मतिरास्तां तव पदकमले॥१॥
भागीरथि सुखदायिनि मातस्तव जलमहिमा निगमे ख्यातः।
नाहं जाने तव महिमानं पाहि कृपामयि मामज्ञानम्॥२॥
हरिपदपाद्यतरंगिणि गंगे हिमविधुमुक्ताधवलतरंगे।
दूरीकुरु मम दुष्कृतिभारं कुरु कृपया भवसागरपारम्॥३॥
तव जलबुद्धिं शिशिरातरंगे जगति प्रसिद्धा कंकणधंगे।
मम मति मकरालयकन्ये मनसि कलीयाकलुषविधूने॥४॥
सरसिजनाभहरि चरणरंगे विजयऽ भव तुंगतरंगे।
पारिजातकृतशेवतरङ्गे जया जया जगति प्रख्याते॥५॥
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Rituals and Celebrations
On Ganga Dussehra, devotees perform various rituals to honor Goddess Ganga. Some of the prominent practices include:
1. Ganga Snan (Holy Bath): Taking a dip in the Ganga river is the most significant ritual. It is believed that this act washes away all sins and purifies the soul.
2. Dan (Charity): Donating to the needy is another important aspect of Ganga Dussehra. It is considered highly auspicious and brings blessings to the giver.
3. Puja (Worship): Special prayers and offerings are made to Goddess Ganga. Devotees chant hymns and mantras to seek her blessings.
4. Deep Daan (Offering Lamps): Floating earthen lamps on the river is a beautiful tradition that symbolizes the illumination of the soul and the removal of darkness.
Celebrating Ganga Dussehra at Home
For those who cannot visit the Ganga river, Ganga Dussehra can still be celebrated at home with devotion and reverence. Here are some ways to honor the goddess:
- Ganga Jal: Sprinkle Ganga water (Ganga Jal) around the house and on family members to invoke the presence of the holy river.
- Recitation of Ganga Stotram: Chant the Ganga Stotram to seek divine blessings and peace.
- Virtual Darshan: Participate in online live streams of Ganga Aarti from famous ghats like Haridwar and Varanasi.
The Spiritual Essence of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is not just a festival; it is a reminder of the purity, grace, and sanctity that Goddess Ganga represents. Her descent to Earth is symbolic of the divine intervention that helps humanity overcome its sins and attain spiritual elevation. The celebration of Ganga Dussehra is an opportunity to reconnect with our spiritual roots and seek the blessings of the divine mother, Ganga.
As we celebrate Ganga Dussehra on June 16, 2024, let us immerse ourselves in the sacred hymns, perform the rituals with devotion, and strive to embody the purity and grace that Goddess Ganga epitomizes. May her blessings bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to all.
