Ganga (Ganges) - Anthya Pushkara

Adoration of sacred rivers is prevalent in Hindu culture and philosophy since time immemorial and we find reference to the glory and significance of river worship in several sacred Hindu texts. Prominent among the sacred rivers is the Ganga (The Ganges) considered unparallel in terms of its spirituality, merits and religious significance.

In Hindu philosophy it is an age old custom and tradition to celebrate river festivals on several occasions.  One such occasion which is very prominent is Pushkara festival which occurs once in twelve years for a notified river that coincides with the transit of Jupiter (Bruhaspathi) in a particular sign in the zodiac. Twelve sacred rivers have been identified in Hindu philosophy wherein Pushkara enters each River once in twelve years. Transit of Jupiter in each sign starting from Aries (Mesha raasi) is assigned for celebration of Pushkara festival for a particular river.

 

Thus, when Jupiter transited into Mesha (Aries) raasi in May 2011, it was the Pushkara celebration of the holy river Ganga (Ganges). Though the Pushkara schedule of a particular river will be for one year, the first twelve days known as Aadi Pushkara and the last twelve days known as Anthya Pushkara are held to be highly sacred and meritorious. Now it is time for conclusion of the holy Ganga Pushkara ending 16^th May 2012 with the transit of Jupiter into Vrushabha (Taurus) raasi taking place on 17^th May 2012. Next Ganga Pushkara will occur in the year 2023.

 

Our ancient seers have prescribed certain austerities to be observed during Pushkara time known as Pushkara Vidhi. Most important being, Pushkara Snana (taking bath), Pushkara Vaasa (staying), Pushkara Darshana, Siro Mundana (tonsuring of head), Fasting, Pushkara Pithru Karma, and Pushkara Dana (charity). Those who have missed the opportunity at the beginning may avail last twelve days of sacred Ganga Pushkara and reap its spiritual benefits.

For more information on the following related topics

Ø  Glory & Significance of Ganga River

Ø  Glossary of Ganges – Ganga the river of India

Ø  Gangaavatharana – Origin & descent of Ganga River

Ø  Pushkara Darshini – All you want to know about Pushkaram

You may like to read from the following links…….

http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/search/label/Sacred%20Rivers%20of%20India
http://bhargavasarma.blogspot.com/search/label/Pushkara%20Darshini%20%28All%20you%20wanted%20to%20known%20about%20Pushkaram%29

Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu