History of Ganga Aarti, Haridwar
The Divine Mother is said to be the one who bestows life in the form of water on the river Ganga, according to Hindu beliefs and culture. Saint Bhagirath’s ancestors were reduced to mere ashes by the wrath of Sage Kapil, but the latter persevered in prayer and meditation for a very long period before receiving the blessing of Ganga from the gods. As a result of Lord Shiva holding Ganga back from flowing continuously, the ancestors were granted moksha, or emancipation. It is also thought that those who bathe in the holy river’s water will be cleansed of their sins. The Ganga Aarti is a ceremony performed to thank the River Ganga for everything she provides.
History of Har Ki Pauri
According to the Shaivite school of Hinduism founded by Rishav Bhagwan, the word “Har” refers to Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the creator of the cosmos. The word “Ki” means “of,” while the word “Pauri” means “steps.” The Brahmakund, which is located with in Har Ki Pauri, is regarded as the most sacred location in the entire area and is where the Ganga Aarti is done. This is due to the belief that the Amrit, or God’s Nectar, that was being carried by the heavenly bird Garuda when the world first began to exist, fell to the ground at the Brahmakund. It is also thought that in the Vedic era, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the Brahmakund near Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. There is a sizable footprint at the ghat that is purported to be that of Lord Vishnu.
The Ceremony (Aarti)
The daily aarti for Mother Ganga at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar begins at 5:30 a.m. in the summer and 6:30 a.m. in the winter. Daily Ganga aartis begin at 05:30 PM in the winter and 06:30 in the summer. Rituals are performed at different times during the summer and winter depending on sunrise and sunset. Visit the location and arrive at least half an hour before the aarti time. People first start arriving early to secure a decent place. Later, they removed the River Ganga statue from a little shrine near to the ghat.
The idol is typically performed in “palkhi” by gurus and other individuals, who place it on the ghat’s platform close to the Ganges River. Some individuals also visit the Ganga deity to receive blessings. Pundits arrive a few while later and begin the ceremony. They begin by singing Sanskrit mantras while also making offerings of cotton, dyes, milk, honey, sugar, curd, ghee, and other items. Since these are symbolic offerings, there is only a modest quantity. The chanting are performed live by pundits, who can be heard through loud speakers. They begin chanting Ganga Lahari, a Sankrit poem by Pundit Jagannath, after the offering is finished.
