Divine Ganga

Maa, Goddess, Giver of Life, Cleanser of Sins, the Holy Ganga is no more venerated than here in Varanasi.The divine fountain that once flowed from Gomukh (the Holy Cave) in the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar (Bay of Bengal) down the centuries became an immortal witness to life and culture along its banks giving rise to the rich Indo-Gangetic Civilization.The city-Varanasi-that defies deluge (Mahapralaya), has to bear the brunt of modern civilization, growing urbanization, extreme materialism, deteriorating socio-ethical values, rising population and pollution. Today the Divine Ganga has been severely degraded and dangerously polluted. If serious and immediate steps are not taken the situation might worsen.The Ganga Seva Nidhi felt the need of the hour and emerged with the spirit of Renaissance to revive and preserve the purity, sanctity and divinity of Ganga and Kashi.

Ganga Seva Nidhi founded in 1992 by Shri Satyendra Mishra, is a philanthropic Non-Governmental Organization registered under the Amended Societies Registration Act 1860 with Registration No. 207. Ganga Seva Nidhi is committed to arouse public consciousness and create social awareness of environmental degradation and pollution with special emphasis on Ganga, Ghats and Kashi.

Ganga, originated from ‘Gomukh’, the holy cave of the Himalayas, and went on to become the heart-throb of whole northern India. Down the centuries it became an immortal witness to life and development. It gave rise to the rich Indo-Gangetic Civilization. From Rigvedic time to the present era, Ganga has been worshipped and venerated for the fulfillment of fourfold aims of life-Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The Vedas, Puranas, Smritis and the Nibandha-Mahatmya are replete with accolades of the sacred Ganga, the purifier of all sins and remover of all ill effects of Papa, Tapa and Shapa.

To the theists or atheists, Ganga has always been a source of inspiration to Mankind. The divine river that conjure up the vision of a great civilization is an integral part of our legend, religion, culture, history, geography and environment. In its long journey, from Gomukh to Ganga Sagar (Bay of Bengal), the mighty river has been the source of sustenance for the teeming millions and weaves itself into the lives of men and the flora and fauna. The growth and development of this civilization took centuries. However, several factors, like improper planning, indiscriminate industrialization, destruction of the wetland ecosystems and lack of environmental conciousness, have been responsible over the last few decades for polluting Ganga, alarmingly. The belief that the sins can be washed away merely by taking dips in this holy water has also contributed to pollution of Ganga, Nearly six hundred kilometers of Ganga, which traverse an area of 2,525 kilometers, covering as much as a quarter of India’s landmass, is dangerously polluted. If serious and immediate steps are not taken the situation might worsen.The life-giving Ganga descended on the earth (according to a Puranic tale) for the salvation of the ancestors of King Bhagirath, who were suffering under a curse from Lord Vishnu. Her incarnation on earth was the result of an intense tapasya (prayer) of Bhagirath. If the river Ganga is to be restored to its pristine glory, of purity and divinity, and sublimity and serenity, vigorous efforts like that of Bhagirath need to be made.