Tag: Ganga

“A fool indeed is he who, living on the banks of the Ganga, seeks to dig a little well for water.”

Maha Kumbh Mela: In Search of the Divine Nectar

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Heritage, Event & Festival, India, Places of Worship1 Comment

Kumbh derives its name from the immortal Pot of Nectar, which the Demigods (Devtas) and Demons (Asuras) fought over, described in ancient Vedic scriptures known as the Puranas. It is these Vedic literatures that have stood the test of time, out of which the tradition has evolved into the one that the world now knows as The Kumbh Mela or The Kumbha Mela. The festival is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, and considered as the “world’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims”.

Rishikesh & Haridwar: Twin Holy Towns

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cruise & Boats, Forests, Hills & Valleys, India, Places of WorshipLeave a comment

Hari means “Lord Vishnu”. So, Haridwar stands for “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. In order to reach Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams, with a temple of Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is a typical place to start a pilgrim’s journey. Therefore, the name Haridwar. Hrishikesh (हृषीकेश) is a name of Lord Vishnu composed of hrishika meaning ‘senses’ and Isha meaning ‘lord’, thus ‘Lord of the Senses’. The name commemorates an apparition of Vishnu to Raibhya Rishi, as a result of his Tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha.

The Kapil Muni Temple

Gangasagar: Where Ganga River Meets Bay of Bengal

On By Jagrata RoyChoudhuryIn Beaches & Shores, Cruise & Boats, India, Places of Worship6 Comments

Gangasagar is a charming tourist destination, which attracts both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Nestled in one of the delta islands is Gangasagar. Also called Sagardwip or Sagar Island, it is one of the largest islands on the Ganges delta and holds immense religious significance. Gangasagar has acres of silver sand and clear blue sky, and the calm sea to spend the time in tranquillity.