LSD: Ganga Saptami, which is dated May 18 this year, is the day when Hindus worship Goddess Ganga with a belief that Ganga was reborn on this day. Saptami Tithi Begins at 12:32 PM on May 18, 2021, and ends at 12:50 PM on May 19, 2021. The Ganga Saptami Madhyahna Muhurat, believed to be auspicious, is between 10:56 AM to 13:40 PM.
As per Hindu mythology, on this day, the land of India became fortunate with the birth of one of the holiest rivers personified as a God. The day is also known as Ganga Jayanti, which is the seventh day of Shukla Paksha, in the month of spring authentically known as Vaisakh.
What is the story behind Ganga Saptami?
Though the Goddess Ganga took birth on the Earth on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, still this day of Ganga Saptami is celebrated as her birthday because this is the day when the Goddess Ganga took a rebirth on earth.
It is believed that when the mighty river Ganga came down on Earth, Lord Shiva took her in his jata (hair) to check her power as it would have destroyed everything. Later he gradually released Ganga to the Earth. When Lord Shiva released Ganga, its water went to the fields of sage Jahnu and deteriorated all his land.
The angry sage started drinking all the water of Ganga and soon he emptied the whole river. After this, King Bhagiratha and the Gods started praying to Rishi Jahnu to release Ganga so that she could proceed on her mission. The sage was finally pleased with their prayers and released Ganga from his ear.
He released Ganga from his ear on Saptami of Vaishakha Shukla Paksha. Hence, the day is also known as Jahnu Saptami. Whereas, Ganga got the name Jahnavi, believed to be the daughter of Rishi Jahnu.
On this auspicious occasion, devotees take a shower early in the morning and perform the ritual of deep daan or floating a Diya in water. They also chant the sacred Gayatri Mantra and Ganga Saharsaana Strotam on Ganga Saptami.
