The Indian system of beliefs is based on an intimate
relationship with nature. An offshoot of this is the reverence
accorded to rivers as a gesture of acknowledgement of their
life sustaining abilities in primarily agrarian societies.
Perennial rivers such as the Ganges have been held in high
regard since time immemorial. This current of acknowledgement
runs through the entire subcontinent, as seen from references
to the Ganges in ancient South Indian literature.
The Story of the descent of Ganges: Ganges, the heavenly river
was brought down to the earth through the efforts of the ruler
Bhagiratha.
Legends related to the Ganges: Several colorful legends are
associated with the river Ganges, as related in the Indian
epics.
Course of the River Ganges: Follow the river from its origin in
the Himalayas all the way to its confluence with the ocean,
through ancient pilgrimage towns and cities.
Rishikesh - Gateway to the Himalayas. Experience the might of
the Ganges and the serene atmosphere of Rishikesh where all
Himalayan pilgrimages begin.
Haridwar - where the Ganges is revered. Visit Haridwar in the
foothills of the Himalayas and experience the Aarti to the
Ganges, when the entire riverside is lit up with the glow of
hundreds of lamps.
Benares: The most venerated of the pilgrimage sites in India
on the banks of the Ganges
Prayag- where the Yamuna merges with the
Ganges: Prayag, at
Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh is an ancient pilgrimage site and
is the seat of the Kumbha Mela festival occuring once every 12
years.
Tryambakeshwar in Maharashtra - where the Godavari is
venerated as the Ganga
Ganga Sagar - at the confluence of the Ganges with the ocean is
an ancient pilgrimage site associated with Kapilamuni.
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