Holy river Ganga & Temple importance in India

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River Ganga is the holiest of all holy rivers that flow through India. It is known by many names. As it came down from “Swarga” on severe penance done by King Bhagirath, it is called Bhagirthi after him. Its 108 names are given in Gangastottara. In English language it is called as Ganges. In Calcutta or Kolkatta it flows as Hooghly.  

       

Many holy towns and pilgrimage spots exist on the banks of Ganga. Varanasi or Kashi is the Mokshpradayani City which rests on the Trishul of Lord Shiva while waters of Ganga flow by calmly. To many the city is better known as Benaras. The word Benaras invokes the splendor of Benarsi Sarees in an array of colors and designs. Temple of Lord Vishwanath stands on the side of this river. The place houses one of the twelve main Jyotirlingas of Shiva.

Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism preached his first sermon near Varanasi. The pilgrimage spot of Buddhists at Sarnath is visited by thousands every year.

Hundreds of big and small, new and ancient temples can be found on the shores of Ganga at Haridwar. Main temple dedicated to the Goddess herself is located at Har ki Pauri. Temple of Devi Mansa is in Haridwar.

Raja Daksha was father of Sati. Sati had married lord Shiva without the consent of her father. Daksha considered himself superior in status to Shiva. When Daksha held a yagya at his palace and deliberately did not invite his son-in-law; Sati got angry and gave up her life by using her divine powers. The place where the whole incident took place is at Kankhal on the banks of Ganga and not very far from Haridwar. People visit Kankhal to submerge the ashes of the departed at this place.

Ganga temple at Gangotri closes down soon after the Hindu festival of Diwali. During this time the idol of Devi Ganga is moved to a place called Mukhab. This is a small village in Uttarkashi District.