Ganga Saptami was observed on Saturday, 25 April at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre. The function commenced with Havan dedicated to Mother Ganga at 2pm. The melodious Sri Ganga Stotram and Sri Ganga Chalisa was recited thereafter and devotees earnestly joined in the chorus. This was followed by a Yatra to the four sacred pools at SICC. The large gathering of devotees was given the opportunity to offer Ganga Jal in each of the four pools, paying homage and seeking Mother Ganga’s blessings. The waters of Mother Ganga bless, purify and heal. Ganga Jal was also offered for those who are ill and for the peace of the souls who have departed. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda wrote about the healing powers of Mother Ganga. It is replete with mysterious powers which are not found in any other river in the world.
King Bhagiratha did rigorous penance for a full hundred years to propitiate Lord Siva to bring down Mother Ganga from the celestial regions. Lord Siva was immensely pleased with the penance undertaken by Bhagiratha and readily accepted to check and control Ganga through His matted locks. Our Master states, “With surge, fury and foam, Ganga began to descend from the celestial regions. Flashes of lightning, thunders from the clouds, and the uncontrollable flow seemed as if a deluge was about to devour the whole world. But Lord Siva coolly received Her in His matted locks and let Her drip over Him. This is known as Ganga Saptami Day.â€
At the Satsang which commenced at 4.30pm, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, addressing young children, outlined the Master’s life and contributions in delightfully simple language. Even when he was practising as a doctor, Swami Sivananda felt that real happiness could not be obtained from the things of the world. True, unbroken happiness is within. In order to experience this happiness, Pujya Swamiji continued, “We must all have a Master (Guru) if we want to learn the techniques of meditation and how to conquer the mind.†Satsang concluded with a video presentation depicting Bhagiratha’s penance resulting in the descent of Mother Ganga from the celestial regions onto Lord Siva’s matted locks.
On 28 May, the Society will observe Ganga Dussehra at Sivanandashram Reservoir Hills.
