Varanasi - Ganga Harathi 2023

नमामि   गंगे   तव   पाद   पंकजम्

 

I bow down to Your lotus feet, Maa Ganga, Your divine form is worshiped by both demigods and demons. You always bestow on men enjoyment and liberation according to their desires. 

Kashi, Varanasi, Benares – known by so many names is among the oldest living cities of the World.   Varanasi`s Prominence in Hindu religion  is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and literature, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote : “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”. 

The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. It is firmly belived that  one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi dates back to many centuries.  The holy Ganges in  Varanasi washes aay  the sins of mortals. 

Other than the temples one great attraction is ‘Ganga Harathi’ – the aarthi ritual performed to the river in the evening at Dashashwamedh ghat by group of 7 eminent priests.    Through the aarti, Agni Pooja is performed in which a commitment is made to the Lord Shiva, Mata Gange, Surya, Agni (Fire) as well as the whole universe made by the Lord Shiva. 

Ganga Harathi - :

had the fortune of worshipping at Kasi and also seeing the holy Ganga aarthi on 13.6.2023.  More photos would follow

 
with regards – S. Sampathkumar
15.6.2023