HISTORY OF GANGASAGAR
The mentions of the ritual of Gangasangar can be found as early as the “Mahabharatas” and the “Ramayana” establishing it to date back to around 400 BCE. Every year millions of Pilgrims set off on this journey at the auspicious time of Makar Sankranti. Literary masterpieces dating back to the 5th Century like "Raghubangsham", by Maha Kabi Kalidas has reference to the devotional journey of Gangasagar. Since the Satya Yuga this journey to the Sagar Island is interweaved with a sense of faith and moksha. This is a legacy older than time that is still being carried on in order for trudging souls to find peace and nirvana.
MYTHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The tale of Gangasagar narrates how Bhagirath freed the souls of the 60,000 Sagarputras, his ancestors from the depts of hell by performing their last rites with the holy water of Ganga. It is a Legend of extrication from the tiring cycle of life and death and attain Moksha. There are numerous accounts and mentions of the Gangasagar and the punya snan in the epics “Ramyana” and “Mahabharata”.
SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE
Gangasagar Mela is observed on the day of Makar Sankranti. It is not just a pilgrimage but an amalgam of faith and spirituality. It’s the harvesting season in various parts of the country, a season for new beginnings. It is a time when people from the various circles of the society come together to thank the Sun God for his Abundance.
ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The auspicious time of Makar Sankranti is a period when the Sun transits from Cancer to the Capricorn. It is the Mark for the end of Winters and the starting of longer days that bring hope for a new beginning. This is the time that the Gangasagar is celebrated.
SAB TIRTH BARBAR GANGASAGAR EKBAR
This phrase shares the essence of Gangasagar that course through the minds of the devotees who have been through this larger-than-life experience. Legends say that the journey to Gangasagar was interlaced with dangers at every step. The devotees had to pass a jungle of wonders where the land had the danger of Tigers and the waters were frequented by crocodiles. Yet, every year they all embarked on this holy journey to the south-most point of island at least once in the life time in search for moksha. This brings up the notion “Sab Tirth Bar Bar, Gangasagar Ekbar".
However, now through immense planning and development by the administration this pilgrimage has become much safe and secure. Millions visit the mela ground and take a dip in the holy waters to rid their lives of their worries and attain nirvana.
MONDAY, 15TH JANUARY 2024
THE PUNYA SNAN FROM 15TH JANUARY 2024,
12:30 AM TO
16TH JANUARY 2024, 12:13 AM
EMINENT RITUALS OF GANGASAGAR
Dive into the waves of faith, breathe into the belief, walk on the shores of serenity, and
join the journey of
moksha to shed all sorrow and grief.
GLIMPSES OF GANGASAGAR
Dive into the waves of faith, breathe into the belief, walk on the shores of serenity, and join the journey of moksha to shed all sorrow and grief.
