The Holy Ganges River in India

The most sacred river of India is the Ganges, which Hindus literally
believe flows from heaven to earth for the purification of all whom ...
all » its waters touch. To the Hindu the Ganges is divinity in the form
of a river.



Originating high in the Himalayan mountain range, the Ganges emerges on the Indian plains at the holy city of Hardwar (also called Gangadwar - the Gateway
of the Ganges). The Kumbha-mela is held here every twelve years.



Any bathing in the Ganges is considered supremely purifying and
meritorious, but the most auspicious place in Hardwar for the sacred
bath is known as the Brahma Kund (also known as Hari-ki-Pairi).



Every night at about 6:00 p.m. there is worship (arati) of the Ganga at
the Brahma Kund. The arati-worship consists of an elaborate ritual of
offering large lamps to the Ganges accompanied by the loud banging of
ceremonial gongs, the playing of musical instruments and the singing of
hymns in praise of the Ganges.