Significance of Ganges water
Ganges water is regarded as sacred and purifying in Hinduism, originating from the Ganges River. It is believed to cleanse sins and confer spiritual benefits, often utilized in rituals and worship. The water symbolizes purity despite external impurities and is noted for its association with divine entities, particularly Krishna. Various traditions, including Vaishnavism and Ayurveda, emphasize its spiritual significance, highlighting its role in purification and devotion while acknowledging concerns about its contamination in modern contexts.
Synonyms: Ganga water, Ganges river water, Holy water, River water, Sacred river water
In Dutch: Gangeswater; In Finnish: Ganges vesi; In Spanish: Agua del Ganges; In German: Gangeswasser; In Malay: Air Gangga; In Swedish: Ganges vatten; In French: L'eau du Gange
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ganges water'
In Buddhism, Ganges water symbolizes purity and transformation, embodying the sacred significance of the river in spiritual journeys, and illustrating its role in pivotal narratives like the King's discovery and the Bodhisatta's offerings.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the water from the Ganges river that intermixed with the Crab Tarn, resulting in the eventual fate of the Crab's claws.[1] (2) The river nearby which played a crucial role in the story by housing the fallen fruit and aiding in the King's discovery of it.[2] (3) The water from the Ganges River which the pilgrim offered to the Bodhisatta, infused with wild wood odours.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Ganges water'
Ganges water in Hinduism symbolizes purity and spiritual significance, regarded as sacred and capable of granting purification and spiritual benefits. It embodies devotion and divine connection, reflecting the river's esteemed role in various cultural practices.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Refers to the sacred river in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and the act of self-dedication by Shrivasa Pandita.[4] (2) The waters of the Ganges River, symbolizing a significant and sacred body of water in Indian culture.[5] (3) The waters of the Ganges River, known for their religious significance and as a site for various activities.[6] (4) Refers to the sacred water of the Ganges River, which is known for its religious significance and purity in Hindu beliefs.[7] (5) Sacred water collected by Duhkhi for the Lord, which symbolizes purification and devotion.[8]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The celestial Ganga water that is described in the text, renowned for its purifying qualities.[9] (2) Water from the Ganges River, symbolically used to represent purity, which contrasts with the impurity of liquor.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Signifies the sacred and purifying essence associated with the Ganga River, highlighted for its role in the personality's description.[11]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Symbolic representation of purity and cleansing, akin to the spiritual benefits derived from serving the Lord.[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Holy water from the Ganges River, used by Sukhananda Prabhu in his massages for its spiritual significance and believed healing properties.[13]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Considered holy and purifying, yet its efficacy is questioned for those with impure intentions.[14] (2) Considered highly purifying; bathing in it or merely touching it is said to yield immense religious benefits.[15] (3) Holy water from the Ganges river, often used in rituals for its purifying properties and spiritual significance.[16] (4) The holy water of the Devi Ganga, believed to have purifying properties capable of erasing sins accumulated over many lifetimes.[17]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Considered the purest water, believed to cleanse sins and confer spiritual merit.[18]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Water from the Ganges River, which plays a significant role in the tale where the Brahman鈥檚 wife goes to fetch it.[19] (2) A symbol of purity and renewal in the context of Mrigankadatta's father performing penance and spirituality in Varanasi.[20]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Waters carried by Agastya in his kamandala for his journey south, representing the sacredness and cultural significance of the river.[21]
The concept of Ganges water in local and regional sources
Ganges water symbolizes purity and divinity, highlighting societal misconceptions of worth. It represents purification and rejuvenation in Indian culture, with ties to spiritual narratives, emphasizing its profound significance beyond worldly perceptions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Represents purity and divinity; its comparison to sewerage highlights how true value and worth can be misjudged by societal standards.[22] (2) Symbolizes purity and divinity, contrasted against worldly perceptions that fail to recognize its true significance.[23]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Symbolic waters with purifying properties, which Saraswati mingles with to regain her purity after being cursed.[24] (2) Symbolically represents purification and rejuvenation in Indian culture, as referenced in the novel to establish a connection with life and death.[25]