|
 |
II
The Ganges Tour II
The Ganges in
India is the most sacred river. Hindus belive its waters to have flowed
eternally, for its source is said to be the submit of "Mount Meru",
the mysthical mountain at the center of universe and the abode of the gods.
From there the river descends to the earth via shiva's matted hair, which
supports its fall. It is worshiped by hindus as Goddess Ganga (Prayer of Ganga
: Gangaji ki Aarti). The great
cities of Varanasi, hardwar and Allahabad on its banks are most important
pilgrimage sites in India. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges to clean themselves of
the karma of previous and current lives, and to ensure an auspicious rebirth.
Hardwar:
Hardwar's Importance as a sacred city is
derived from its position and the supposed spiritual purity of its water, which
is carried by the pilgrims to every corner of the subcontienent for the use of
purification ceremonies. Haridwar is considered as one of the seven holiest
places according to Hindu mythology. According to the legends, when the Gods
left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an
indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu - more so, the devout, who
would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. Haridwar, due
to its geographical location stands as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of
Uttrakhand. Mentioned as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient
scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained as a major Shaktipeeth for
the devotees. Of such significance is Haridwar in the thought of India's
traditional Hindus that it has earned its sobriquet of honor, `the gateway to
the Gods' The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Hardwar
being the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its
rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The water
is clean and people prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river
shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way
for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana. Though all the Hindu festivals are
celebrated here with pomp and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh which attracts the
mind of any tourist to this place. The Ardh Kumbh is held every six
years. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh gives
you Moksha or Nirvana. Kawad is other major event which takes place in
Hardwar every year.Ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of
Shravan & Phalgun, corresponding to the months of July and August,
thousands of devotees throng Haridwar, all the way walking bare feet, to
collect holy waters of the river Ganga. Then they carry it back to their
hometown & offer it at the local Shiv Temple.
Varanasi
Varanasi attracts more pilgrims than any
other sacred tiratha in India. Auspiciously situated on the bend of the Ganges
where the river flows northward,its ancient name is Kashi "the city of light";
it is presided over by Shiva in his manifestation as Vishvanatha, the lord of
universe. The ganges water is said to symboloze Shiva's immanent power
(Shakti). Varanasi is also sacred to buddhist and Jains.
Allahabad
Allahabad also known as prayag ("Place of
sacrifice"), as Lord brahma is said to have perfermed sacrifice there.Its
importance as a great pilgrimage site derives from its situation at the
confluence of the Ganges and yamuna rivers and the mysthical river of
Sarasvati, which is supposed to have flow invisibly into the ganges from its
sacred underground course.
|
|
About Site