Ganga Saptami has special significance in Sanatan Dharma. This time the festival of Ganga Saptami will be celebrated on 3 May, Saturday. According to Hindu belief, Bhagirath had done harsh penance and pleased with this, Mother Ganga came from heaven to live in the pool of Lord Shiva and appeared on the earth on the same day. On the day of Ganga Saptami, bathing and meditation is done in the holy Ganges river. After this, Goddess Ganga is worshiped and chanting. It is believed that by doing this, a person gets freedom from all kinds of sins committed inadvertently. Worshiping Goddess Ganga on this day brings happiness and peace in life.
Taking a dip in the Ganges on the day of Ganga Saptami has special significance. Those who cannot go on the banks of the Ganges, they can take a bath by mixing Ganga water in Ganga water at home. After bathing, light a lamp in front of the picture or idol of Goddess Ganga, light incense sticks and anoint them with Ganga water. After this, offer white flowers, whole rice, milk, betasha and sweets and chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagwati Gange’.
Story of Ganga Saptami fast
Long ago, there was a very powerful king named Bhagiratha on this earth. He started harsh penance to bring Ganga to earth to free his ancestors from the cycle of life and death. Mother Ganga was very happy to see Bhagiratha’s devotion and harsh penance and as a result she accepted Bhagiratha. But a problem arose, he told King Bhagiratha that if she comes directly from heaven to Earth, the earth would find her velocity unbearable and she would go into oblivion.
But a problem arose, the king told Bhagiratha that if he goes to Earth from heaven and comes back, his speed will become unbearable and he will be forgotten. Bhagiratha told him his problem and Shiva told him a solution.
When the mother Ganga was proudly landing from heaven on earth, she met Lord Shiva and then she held the Ganges river in her jatas. After serving her sentence in jail, Mother Ganga started struggling and apologized for her actions. Seeing the sorrow of Maa Ganga, Lord Shiva forgave them and freed him.
As soon as Shiva was freed from the heavy jata, she was swept away in seven streams and thus Bhagirath succeeded in bringing Mother Ganga to earth.
