Latest news with #Bhagiratha
India Today
24-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Ganga Dussehra 2025 Date, shubh muhurat snan daan, and rituals explained
Ganga Dussehra, also known as Gangavataran, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrating the descent of the holy river Ganga to Earth. In 2025, this auspicious occasion will be observed on Thursday, June 5. The festival holds deep spiritual significance, especially for devotees of Goddess Ganga, and is marked by bathing rituals, charitable acts, and grand celebrations across DUSSEHRA 2025 DATE AND MUHURAT DETAILSGanga Dussehra date: Thursday, June 5, 2025Dashami tithi begins at 8:24 pm on June 4, 2025 Dashami tithi ends at 10:45 pm on June 5, 2025Hasta nakshatra begins at 12:05 am (June 5 early morning)Hasta nakshatra ends at 3:04 am on June 6, 2025Vyatipata yoga begins at 5:44 am on June 5, 2025Vyatipata yoga ends at 6:43 am on June 6, 2025SIGNIFICANCE OF GANGA DUSSEHRAGanga Dussehra marks the descent of the river Ganga from heaven to Earth. It is believed that the sacred river flowed down to purify and liberate the souls of King Bhagiratha's ancestors. The word "Dussehra" comes from 'Dasha,' meaning ten, and 'Hara,' meaning destroy—symbolising the river's power to destroy ten types of BEHIND GANGAVATARAN – DESCENT OF GANGAAccording to Hindu scriptures, the Goddess Ganga resided in Lord Brahma's kamandal (sacred vessel). Upon Bhagiratha's penance, Lord Shiva agreed to channel her descent, softening her intense flow by capturing her in his locks. As Ganga flowed to Earth, she not only purified the souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors but also brought the divine purity of heaven to the mortal PERFORMED ON GANGA DUSSEHRAadvertisementHOLY DIP IN THE GANGES – GANGA SNANDevotees take a holy dip (Snan) in the river Ganga on this day, which is believed to cleanse all sins and negative karmas. Popular locations for the ritual include:HaridwarRishikeshVaranasiPrayagraj (Allahabad)GarhmukteshwarCHARITY AND DAAN – OFFERINGS FOR SPIRITUAL MERITPerforming daan (charity) is considered extremely beneficial on Ganga Dussehra. Items commonly donated include:Clothes (especially white cotton)Food and grains (particularly jaggery, rice, and wheat)Earthen lampsCopper or silver utensilsDonations to Brahmins and the poorGANGA PUJA AND AARTIDevotees perform Ganga Puja with flowers, diyas, incense, and Ganga Jal. Ganga Aarti, especially at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi, is a grand sight with thousands participating, chanting hymns, and lighting lamps along the TO CHANT ON GANGA DUSSEHRAChanting Ganga stotras and mantras is believed to bring divine blessings and mental peace. Some powerful mantras include:'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Ganga Dharaya Namah''Har Har Gange'Recitation of Ganga Sahasranam or Ganga AshtakamThese chants enhance spiritual energy and invoke protection from sins and DISTINCTION – GANGA DUSSEHRA VS. GANGA JAYANTIWhile both festivals are associated with the Goddess Ganga, they are not the same:Ganga Jayanti celebrates the rebirth of Goddess Dussehra commemorates her descent from heaven to Dussehra is observed on Dashami of Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha, while Ganga Jayanti is marked earlier in the year during Chaitra TO NIRJALA EKADASHIGanga Dussehra typically falls one day before Nirjala Ekadashi. However, in some years (depending on tithi overlap), both may fall on the same date. In 2025, Nirjala Ekadashi will be observed on June 6, the day after Ganga BENEFITS OF GANGA DUSSEHRAObserving Ganga Dussehra with devotion and sincerity is believed to:Cleanse the body and soul of all sinsImprove health and vitalityBring peace to ancestors' souls (Pitra Shanti)Attract divine grace and prosperityIt is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature, water conservation, and the sacredness of Dussehra 2025 is more than a festival—it is a celebration of purity, devotion, and nature's grace. As you prepare for this holy day on June 5, embrace the teachings of Ganga Devi. Whether through a sacred dip, charity, or prayer, let your actions flow with the same compassion and clarity as the Ganga herself.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Collector pays tributes to Bhagiratha
Rajamahendravaram: District Collector Prasanthi paid rich tributes to Maharshi Bhagiratha on the occasion of his Jayanti on Sunday at district Collectorate. She garlanded his portrait. Speaking at the event, the Collector highlighted the nobility of Bhagiratha's mission to bring the holy Ganga from the heavens to earth. She remarked that such a superior goal was only possible through purity of intent and unwavering effort. The Collector emphasised that the Jayanti is being officially celebrated to draw inspiration from Bhagiratha's life, which exemplifies perseverance and vision. From a young age, he pursued an extraordinary goal with steadfast dedication, never losing heart despite numerous challenges, and ultimately achieved success, she noted. Drawing a philosophical comparison, she said that while a pessimistic person sees a glass as half-empty, an optimistic mind views it as half-full. Such positive thinking leads to favourable outcomes, she asserted. The collector urged everyone to cultivate a constructive mindset and take inspiration from the lives of those who have achieved great milestones. The event was attended by District Revenue Officer T Seetharama Murthy, Tribal Welfare Officer KN Jyothi, and other officials from various departments.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Emulate values exemplified by Bhagiratha: Mandya tahsildar
Mandya: Mandya tahsildar Shivakumar Biradar emphasised the importance of following the ideals and values exemplified by Bhagiratha , a revered figure in India. Speaking after inaugurating Bhagiratha Jayanti celebrations at the zilla panchayat Kaveri auditorium here on Sunday, Biradar highlighted Bhagiratha Maharshi's unwavering determination and concentration, which enabled him to bring the celestial River Ganga to earth—a feat symbolic of perseverance and selfless service. He noted that govt remains committed to the uplift of educationally backward communities and is actively establishing schools, hostels, and community halls to support their development. Retired social welfare department officer N Narasimhamurthy delivered a special lecture on the occasion. He narrated the story of Bhagiratha, who performed intense penance to liberate the souls of his ancestors. Following his guru's advice, Bhagiratha first prayed to Brahma and then to Lord Shiva, who ultimately released the Ganga gently to earth through his matted hair. "Bhagiratha's life is a testament to devotion, sacrifice, and service," Narasimhamurthy said. "By bringing the Ganga to earth, he not only ensured his ancestors' salvation but also enriched the lives of all beings." The event included the felicitation of meritorious students from the community.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Contributions of Saint Bhagiratha remembered
1 2 Mysuru: Chamaraja MLA K Harishgowda on Sunday remembered the contributions of Saint Bhagiratha for the welfare of society. He was speaking after inaugurating the Bhagiratha Jayanti celebrations organised jointly by the department of Kannada and culture and the district administration at Kalamandir in the city. He also appealed to people to idolise the character of Saint Bhagiratha and to end discrimination of people on caste and religious basis. MLC D Thimmaiah also remembered the contributions of Saint Bhagiratha in bringing Goddess Ganga , the goddess of water, to earth to fulfil the demands of the people. Even today, a large number of people worship the contributions of Ganga for her sacrifices and for bringing water. Retired commissioner of excise Jagannath Rao Sagar remembered the contributions of Saint Bhagiratha in the unification of all other backward classes under one umbrella. Bhagirath Gurupeeth Purushottamananada Swami, assistant director of Kannada and culture MD Sudarshan, joint director VN Mallikarjunaswamy, and others were present.
Hans India
04-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Honoring the Legacy of Bhagiratha: A Symbol of Perseverance and Civilization
Gadwal: The birth anniversary of Maharshi Bhagiratha, the legendary figure from the Sagara dynasty who is revered for bringing the celestial river Ganga down to Earth through his intense penance, was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur across Jogulamba Gadwal district. Members of the Uppari Bhagiratha community organized events in various villages to honor their revered ancestor and cultural icon. The Sagara community remembers Bhagiratha not just as their forefather but as a symbol of determination, spiritual strength, and civilizational progress. According to tradition, Bhagiratha performed severe penance for thousands of years to please Lord Shiva, ultimately bringing the divine Ganga from the heavens to Earth to grant salvation to his ancestors. This act is commemorated every year on the day of Gangavataranam (descent of Ganga) as Bhagiratha Jayanti. In Rajashri Garlapadu village of Erravalli Mandal, the celebrations were held in an elaborate manner on Sunday. Mandal President Peddabhimudu Sagara addressed the gathering and stated, 'The Sagara community is the one that taught the world the principles of civilization.' Village President Madhu Sagara praised Bhagiratha for his unmatched dedication and stated that his legacy is a beacon of perseverance for all. He encouraged members of the Sagara community to strive for excellence in all fields. Prominent participants in the program included social media convenor Ravichandra Sagar, Rajashekar, Gurumanna, Chinna Bheemudu, Babu, Ravi, Krishna, Mallesh, Beesanna, Mahesh, Karunakar, Raghu, Parashuramudu, Nanda Kishore, and Varun. Meanwhile, in A. Budidapadu village of Manavapadu Mandal, the local Sagara community gathered under the leadership of District Sagara Association President M.U. Venkatesh. As part of the tribute, flowers were garlanded on a portrait of Maharshi Bhagiratha, and community members paid their respects. The speakers at the event emphasized that Bhagiratha's efforts were not only about fulfilling a personal spiritual duty but also about establishing civilization by making water—the foundation of life—accessible to all. 'Maharshi Bhagiratha is a timeless symbol of commitment and sacrifice. Where there is water, there is culture and civilization. His act of bringing the Ganga to Earth transformed the destiny of mankind,' stated one of the organizers. The celebrations were marked with devotion, community spirit, and a sense of pride in cultural heritage. Slogans like "Jai Bhagiratha!" and "Jai Jai Bhagiratha!" echoed throughout the gatherings, uniting the community in reverence and inspiraions.
