The Indian River Ganga or Ganges, which originates in
the Himalayas, is personified and worshipped as a goddess by the Hindus.
There are many stories about the origination of river Ganga in Indian
mythology. Devotees gather on her banks daily in various holy cities of
India like Varanasi, Haridwar and Allahabad as she (Maa Ganga) flows by
energetically. Such special occasions are always accompanied by the
singing of the Maa Ganga aarti or hymn.
So enchanting is the aarti sung to goddess Ganga on the banks of holy
Indian cities that it draws people from far and wide. The entire place
acquires a very spiritual feel with the chants of Ganga aarti mingling
with the gurgling of the flowing water. Hindus believe that bathing in
River Ganga on certain occasions causes the remission of sins and
facilitates the attainment of salvation. Read on to know the aarti sung
in praise of Maa Ganga.
Arti Ganga maiya, man jai sursari maiyaa
Bhav-varidhi-uddhaarini atihi sudradh naiya, man Jai....
Hari pada-padam-prasuta vimal varidhaara,
Brahmadevaa Bhagirathi shuchi punyagara, man Jai…
Shankar-jata-viharini, hanoi trya tapa,
Sagar-putra-gana-tarini harani sakal papai man Jai...
Ganga Ganga jo jana uchchaarat mukha son,
Duur desh man sthit bhi turat tarat sukh son, man Jai...
Mrit ki asthi tanik tuv jal dhara pavai,
So jan pavan hokar param dham javai, man Jai…
Tav tatvasi taruvar, jal thal char prani
Pakshi-pashu-patang gati pavai nirvani, man Jai..
Matu, daya mai kiijai dinan par daya
Prabhu pad padma milakar Hari lijai maiyya, man Jai..
