Introduction
- Sacred Ritual on Riverbanks – Ganga Aarti is a divine Hindu ritual performed every evening on the banks of River Ganga, especially in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi.
- Offerings of Light and Devotion – Devotees offer diyas (oil lamps), flowers, and chant mantras to honor Maa Ganga and seek her blessings.
- Spiritual Atmosphere – The ceremony is accompanied by bhajans, bells, and conch sounds that create a deeply spiritual and uplifting ambiance.
- Symbol of Purification – Ganga Aarti represents the worship of the holy river as a purifier of sins and a source of life and liberation (moksha).
- Major Tourist Attraction – Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi is a soul-stirring experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Ganga Mata Aarti
Om Jai Gange Mata,
Maiya Jai Gange Mata.
Jo nar tumko dhyata,
Manvanchhit phal pata.
Om Jai Gange Mata.
Chandra-si jyoti tumhari,
Jal nirmal aata.
Sharan pade jo teri,
So nar tar jata.
Om Jai Gange Mata.
Putra Sagar ke tare,
Sab jag ko gyata.
Kripa drishti ho tumhari,
Tribhuvan sukh data.
Om Jai Gange Mata.
Ek baar jo prani,
Sharan teri aata.
Yam ki traas mitakar,
Paramgati pata.
Om Jai Gange Mata.
Aarti matu tumhari,
Jo nar nit gata.
Sevak vahi sahaj mein,
Mukti ko pata.
Om Jai Gange Mata.
Ganga Mata Key Facts
- Divine Origin and Descent to Earth
Ganga Mata originated from the heavenly realms and descended to Earth through Lord Shiva’s matted hair to prevent her force from destroying the planet. This divine descent was initiated by King Bhagirath, who performed intense penance to bring her down for his ancestors' salvation. - Source of the Ganga River
The sacred river Ganga begins at Gaumukh in Uttarakhand, where the Bhagirathi River emerges from the Gangotri Glacier. This spot is revered as the udgam sthal (origin point) of Ganga Mata and is a major pilgrimage site. - Salvation of Ancestors (Pitru Moksha)
According to the legend, Bhagirath brought Ganga to Earth to liberate the souls of his ancestors. Even today, people perform Pind Daan, Tarpan, and Asthi Visarjan on the banks of Ganga to provide peace and moksha to their departed loved ones. - Worship and Aarti Rituals
Grand daily Ganga Aartis are held at Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi), Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar), and Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh). Devotees offer lamps, flowers, and chant mantras to express gratitude and seek blessings from the holy river goddess. - Festival of Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of the waxing moon in Jyeshtha month, marking the day Ganga descended to Earth. Taking a holy dip in the river on this day is believed to destroy ten types of sins. - Spiritual and Environmental Role
Ganga Mata is not only revered as a purifier of sins but also as a life-giver. She nourishes millions through agriculture, rituals, and ecology. Despite physical pollution, spiritually, she is believed to remain eternally nirmal (pure) and pavitra (sacred).
When to Recite Ganga Mata Ji Aarti
- Daily Evening (Sandhya Time): Recite the aarti at sunset near a Ganga ghat, riverbank, or temple during Sandhya Aarti for purification and divine connection.
- On Ganga Dussehra: Celebrated in May/June to mark the descent of Ganga Mata to Earth. Aarti on this day is believed to wash away sins and grant spiritual merit.
- During Holy Dip in Ganga: Chant the aarti before or after taking a sacred bath in the Ganga at pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Prayagraj.
- On Mondays and Purnima (Full Moon): Mondays are sacred to Lord Shiva and full moon days amplify spiritual benefits. Aarti on these days brings enhanced blessings.
- During Family Rituals: Recite during Mundan, Shraddh, Pind Daan, or Asthi Visarjan to seek purification, peace for ancestors, and divine blessings.
- On Special Festivals and Yatras: Chant the aarti during Kumbh Mela, Chhath Puja, or Ganga Saptami when lakhs gather to honor the divine river.
Top 5 Famous Ganga Mata Ji Temples in India
- Gangotri Temple – Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
About: This is the most revered temple dedicated to Maa Ganga, located near the origin of the River Ganga.
Highlights: Part of the Char Dham Yatra; Idol installed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Best Time to Visit: May to October (temple remains closed in winter). - Ganga Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Corridor – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Ganga is worshipped daily at ghats with deep devotion
Grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a spiritual highlight .
Celebrated occasions: Dev Deepawali, Kartik Purnima - Har Ki Pauri – Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Sacred site for Ganga worship, especially at Brahmakund
Famous for evening Ganga Aarti and holy dips
Important during Ganga Dussehra and other festivals - Triveni Sangam – Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and invisible Saraswati rivers
Site for ancestral rituals and spiritual offerings
Hosts Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Mela - Maa Ganga Temple – Sultanganj, Bihar
Located on the north-flowing (Uttarvahini) Ganga
Water collected here for the Baidyanath Kanwar Yatra in Shravan
Considered extremely sacred for devotees.