Ganga Navami: Significance and Story

      Ganga Navami is observed on Bhadrapad Krishna Navami tithi. It is believed to be in this day, a dip in the Ganges is recognized as sacred. Ganges is held in high esteem by the Hindus that many festivals and fasts are celebrated in veneration of mother Ganges. Ganga Dussehra (Saron Ganga) are some and one of them is Atri Ganga. Ganges as a river is a formation of many tributaries flowing in from different peaks to form the mighty rivers. Atri Ganga is one of them named after Atri rishi and his renowned chaste wife Ansuya.

Ganga Aarti

      Once there was a drought and there was no rain for a long time. Atri saint and his wife were undergoing austerities in a forest. Atri felt thirsty and desired water from his wife Ansuya. Ansuya went hither and thither in search of water but non could be traced. Incidentally, she saw a young beautiful maiden in the forest. Anasuya asked her if she knew any source of water; the later discouraged her saying no water could be had. Anasuya out of her meditation and austerities had the confidence, so she said that as a reward for my sacrality; there shall be water-here for my husband. This self confidence impressed the young maiden, who asked her to dig at a certain nearby point. The water came out, Ansuya in gratitude requested her reality and knowing that was Goddess Ganga, she requested her to stay on, so that her husband Atri could also have her view. Since then this tributary is known as Atri Ganga. Ganga with the blessings of God Shiva, became perennial as Atri Ganges river. Shiva's image at this place is called Brajeswar Nath. The day is observed by undertaking "fast" and by celebration in a pious dip, worship and reverence. The fast and worship on this day relieves the devotee from ten types of sins and that is why it is called Dussehra: the plough holder Balarama, Sri Krishna and Subhadra devi are worshipped on this day. The devotee, attains liberation and finds his place in Vishnu lok (Baikunth) Brahma Purana 1.30.