Ganga

Ganga is the goddess of India’s holiest river, the Ganges. She is a spirit of abundance, health, and vigor, bestowing fertility, happiness, health, and material comforts. Ganga, a spirit of incredible power, is the absolute essence of the water of creation.

The Ramayana recounts Ganga’s birth. Her father is Himavat, Lord of the Himalayas. In one legend, Ganga agrees to marry the mortal king Santenu on the condition that he never addresses even the tiniest reproach to her. He observes this stipulation strictly until, witnessing her drown each of their children in the Ganges, he comments upon her strange notion of maternity. Ganga abandons her husband on the spot, although not before informing him that the children she had borne and drowned were actually divinities, forced into mortal birth as punishment. Her act of throwing them into the river actually purified their sins and released them to continue their divine existence.

Ganga soothes mental disturbance and emotional ills. She provides fertility and physical healing. She removes anger and guilt. She heals, cleanses, and purifies those who loathe themselves or are overwhelmed by shame or guilt.

ORIGIN:

Himalayas

Manifestations:

Ganga is the Ganges River, but she also manifests as a woman or mermaid. When manifesting as a woman, she is too beautiful to be mistaken for a mortal. Her hair is long and flows in waves. She often wears a belt of pearls. In the Bengal, she is a white-colored woman. She may be depicted with either two or four arms.

ATTRIBUTES:

Ganga holds a pitcher and a lotus flower.

Mount:

Ganga rides the Makara, part fish and part elephant or crocodile.

ELEMENT

Water, specifically Ganges River water, considered to contain tremendous spiritual powers. Water is carried away in small sealed pots to be placed upon household altars. The full efficacy of the water’s powers, however, is obtained by bathing in it.

ANIMALS:

Doves, goats, pigs

SACRED SITES:

Ganga is present in every drop of Ganges River water; however, temples have been raised alongside Ganges riverbanks. Millions of devotees are on her banks at all times. Principal centers of worship include:

• Gengotri (the source of the river)

• Haridwar (where the Ganges meets the plains)

• Allahabad (where the Ganges joins the Yamuna River)

• The holy city of Varanasi (Benares)

• Sagara Island, where the Ganges flows into the Bay of Bengal

• Lake Ganga (Ganga Talao) in Mauritius, the largest Hindu pilgrimage outside India

Time:

Bathing fairs are held in honor of Ganga’s birthday each spring. Every twelve years, a great festival is held in Haridwar to coincide with Jupiter entering Aquarius.

OFFERINGS:

Pilgrims launch small boats made of leaves bearing marigold petals dipped into clarified butter (ghee) and set alight.

SEE ALSO:

• Apsaras
• Shiva
• Vishnu

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.