Gaṅgā River

River generated from the water of the Causal Ocean, after Lord Vāmana pierced the coverings of the universe. Gaṅgā flows from the highest planets of the universe down to the lowest, purifying everything in her way.

Synonyms
Viṣṇupadī, Jāhnavī, Bhāgīrathī

Origin
Lord Vāmanadeva, an incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu, one of the Daśāvatāras, appeared as son of Kaśyapa and Aditi to regain the heavenly kingdom from the demons and return it to the demigods. He entered the sacrificial area of Mahārāja Bali, the king of the demons, in the form of a brāhmana dwarf. When offered charity by Mahārāja Bali, He asked for three paces of land. When His requested was granted, Lord Vāmana assumed a gigantic form and with just two steps covered the entire universe. The toe of His left foot pierced the coverings of the universe, and the pure water of the Causal Ocean leaked in, creating river Ganges. As Lord Vāmanadeva's foot reached upwards to Brahmaloka, Lord Brahmā also washed His foot with the water from his kamaṇḍalu as an act or worship. This water also joined the water of the Causal Ocean in forming the Gaṅgā river. Elsewhere it is stated that Lord Nārāyana Himself has appeared as the water of Gaṅgā. So, Gaṅgā water is a combination of three transcendental waters. After washing the lotus feet of the Lord, which is covered in reddish powder, Gaṅgā acquired a beautiful pink color.

Descent
Having entered the material universe, Gaṅgā flowed downwards and after one thousand yugas descended on Dhruvaloka. Dhruva Mahārāja, who lives there, worships Gaṅgā with great ecstasy and devotion, and accepts her water on his head.

Purifying Effect
Everything connected to the Supreme Personality of Godhead has a purifying effect. The water of Gaṅgā has washed the feet of the Lord, hence it is greatly purifying. The water of the Gaṅgā is called patita-pāvanī, the deliverer of all sinful living beings. By regular bathing in the Gaṅgā one is purified both externally and internally. Externally one's body becomes immune to disease, and internally one gradually develops a devotional attitude toward the Supreme Lord. Thousands of people living on the banks of the Gaṅgā are being purified and become advanced in spiritual consciousness by regularly bathing in her waters. Many sages, including Śaṅkarācārya, have composed prayers in praise of the Gaṅgā.