Significance of Ganges river
Synonyms: Ganga, Ganges, Holy river, Sacred river, Bhagirathi, Jahnavi
In German: Ganges; In French: Gamge; In Dutch: Ganges rivier; In Finnish: Ganges-joki; In Spanish: R铆o Ganges; In Malay: Sungai Gangga; In Swedish: Gangesfloden
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ganges river'
The Ganges river in Buddhism symbolizes vastness and significance, representing unchanging perceptions, countless Buddhas, sacred rituals, and pivotal narrative events, while serving as a metaphor for journeys, transitions, and spiritual encounters.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A metaphor used to illustrate the immense number of Bodhisattvas achieving the Ground of Invincibility, comparing them to sand grains in the river.[1] (2) A significant river that the king recalls seeing in his childhood, used as a metaphor to discuss the unchanging nature of perception despite physical aging.[2] (3) A metaphor used to describe the multitude of lands upon which the rays of light shone, illustrating vastness in the number of places influenced by the Buddha.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Ganges is a major river that the city of Pataliputra is positioned near, where the Gandak and Sone rivers flow into it.[4] (2) A major river in India where opponents of Mahadeva were said to be thrown according to Paramartha.[5] (3) A river in the Gangetic region that is considered sacred and is often used for comparison due to its sandiness and cultural significance; it is believed to remove sins of those who bathe in it.[6]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The river where the characters go to bathe, and an important geographical feature in the narrative.[7] (2) The river into which the twins were thrown by the other queens, marking the conflict between Padumavati and them.[8]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Symbolic representation used for conveying vastness, with references to the abundance of buddhas and blessings.[9] (2) A river in India that serves as a metaphor for vastness, with references to its grains of sand symbolizing countless Buddhas.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The sacred river in the story, serving as a pivotal setting where the ascetic encounters the goddess and grapples with his desires.[11] (2) The river mentioned as the habitat of both the Crocodile and the Monkey in the story.[12] (3) The river where the Bodhisatta cast his leftover meal, leading to the intervention of the river-spirit.[13] (4) The river where the Bodhisatta lived and the crocodile attempted to execute his plan.[14]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A major river in India from which the Bodhi-tree was transported, accentuating the journey's significance.[15] (2) The river near which significant events in the story occurred, including the transportation of relics.[16]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A sacred river in the region where the Buddha traveled, and where naga devas made homage to Him.[17]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A major river in India that was miraculously made to flow backwards by Bindumati鈥檚 Act of Truth, showcasing the power attributed to Truth.[18]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A significant river in India, encountered by the Blessed One as he traveled and wished to cross to the opposite bank.[19]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A sacred river that Buddha crossed, representing the transition from the physical world to Nirvana.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Ganges river'
The Ganges River holds profound significance in Hinduism, revered as a sacred waterway with purifying properties, central to various rituals, spiritual practices, and narratives, symbolizing sanctity and the connection between the spiritual and earthly realms.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A sacred river that is considered to be the personification of devotional service to Shri Krishna and is believed to purify all who come in contact with its water.[21] (2) A major river in India that is significant in Hindu culture and where the location of Kuliya is described as being situated across from Shri Mayapur.[22] (3) The river on which the city of Varanasi is situated, significant in Indian culture and spirituality.[23] (4) A major river in India that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance, which runs along the eastern bank near Mulluka.[24] (5) A significant and sacred river in India, where the girl performed her bathing rituals.[25]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A sacred river that Mahadeva is associated with, often representing purity and sanctity.[26] (2) The sacred river where the sons of Kubera bathe and indulge in playful behavior.[27]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A sacred river in Hindu belief, symbolizing purity and the source of spiritual insights.[28]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Ganges, known as Ganga in the text, represents a prominent river merging with the Yamuna.[29]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A sacred river in India where Shrila Bhakti Pramoda Puri Gosvami Maharaja bathed, accompanied by Shri Gaura Narayana.[30]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The location where the Lord held teachings and discussions with His pupils in the evening.[31]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A sacred river in the narrative, indicating prosperity and significance in the land favored by kings.[32] (2) The major river in India, believed to have swept away the remains of Pataliputra.[33] (3) A significant location where Vidyuddhvaja performed his ascetic practices and where the conflict begins.[34] (4) A significant geographical feature in the story, where Bhimabhata recovers his strength and seeks his friend.[35] (5) The sacred river from which the story's settings and events take inspiration, connecting various locations and characters in the tale.[36]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A major holy river in India, often regarded as sacred and a symbol of purity in Hindu traditions.[37] (2) The sacred river where King Ekavira rode on horseback and observed the beauty of nature, including blooming lotuses.[38]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The sacred waterbody that flows from the heavens and is revered for its purifying properties, notably in the context of the sage's rituals.[39]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A major river in India, considered holy by Hindus and central to various religious practices.[40]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The holy river, also referred to as the Bhagirathi, that Sita and Lakshmana wish to cross to reach the Sages.[41]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A major river in India recognized as the most sacred, with numerous holy sites along its course.[42]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The river whose flooding leads to the displacement of the capital from Hastinapura to Kaushambi.[43]
The concept of Ganges river in local and regional sources
The Ganges River is an essential geographical and cultural feature in India, renowned for its agricultural benefits, sacred status in Hinduism, and significance in historical narratives like the Mahabharata, symbolizing purity and spiritual cleansing.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A major river in India that bordered the regions described and was significant in various cultural and religious contexts.[44] (2) A significant river in India, noted for its proximity to various important Buddhist sites and sangharamas.[45] (3) Crossing the Ganges river and proceeding in a south-west direction leads to the Pi-lo-shan-na (Virashana) country.[46] (4) A significant river that bounds the north of the country, which enriches its cultivation.[47] (5) A significant river in India that borders the capital of the kingdom mentioned.[48]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) The river that borders the city of Ki-jou-i and is significant in the context of Fa-Hian's travels.[49]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A sacred river in India, significant in Hindu spirituality.[50] (2) Used as a metaphor in the text symbolizing pure devotion and the merging of individual love with divine essence.[51] (3) A sacred river in India, symbolizing purity and spiritual cleansing; used as a metaphor for the lives of saints.[52] (4) The river where the obstinate avatar of Shuka landed at the Manikarnika ghat.[53]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A serene and gentle river that is considered sacred in Hindu culture, believed to have the power to wash away sins and liberate individuals.[54] (2) A sacred river in India, which C. R. Das expressed a desire to live beside, symbolizing peace and spiritual fulfillment.[55]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A sacred location where Dharmu and his wife go to seek help from Karam Gosain.[56]