5. GAṄGĀ

D: It is believed that the river Gaṅgā effaces one’s sins. Does it actually do so?

A: Yes. Why is there any doubt about it?

D: If Gaṅgā removes one’s sins, can one commit any sin and then get rid of it by bathing in the Gaṅgā?

A: A dip in the Gaṅgā will remove those sins that are unknowingly done or knowingly done once for which we are repentant. It is not fair to expect Gaṅgā to free one from an intentional sin done with the presumption, “I will bathe in the Gaṅgā and get rid of it.” However, just because of the above statement, one need not have even an iota of doubt regarding the greatness of Gaṅgā. Crores of people travel long distances with the firm faith that they will be purified by a bath in the Gaṅgā. Īśvara does not let their faith go unrewarded.

There is a story in this connection. Once, Pārvatī asked Śiva whether Gaṅgā would remove the sins of all. As an answer, Śiva took on the appearance of an old man and took Pārvatī, in the garb of His aged wife, to the banks of Ganges. He told Her that He would pretend to be drowning and that She should raise an alarm. Accordingly, She screamed to attract the attention of the passers-by and sought the rescue of Her husband. The people around rushed to His rescue. The disguised Pārvatī, however, stopped them and, as earlier

GAṄGĀ 53 instructed by Śiva, said, “Only that person who has not the slightest trace of sin can touch My husband.” Only one among the throng dived in without the least hesitation and rescued Him. Surprised, Pārvatī asked the rescuer if he was free from all sins. The man replied, “Did I not have a dip in the Gaṅgā before saving your husband? My sins vanished at that very instant.” Śiva then told Pārvatī, “What doubt need be there that sins are washed away if one has faith like this person?”

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❑ Incidents from Acharyal's Life

Acharyal had traversed the length and breadth of the country on more than three occasions. Whenever He toured North India, He had always utilised the opportunity to visit places where the holy Gaṅgā flows. These include visits to Haridwar, Allahabad and Banaras. At such times, He would proceed to the river Gaṅgā very early in the morning for a bath in the holy waters. He would perform His morning ablutions and prayers on the banks of the sacred river, sitting in silent contemplation for hours together, lost to the world and in communion with the Infinite. He has often spoken of the efficacy of bathing in Gaṅgā as a means of purification. He has said, “Gaṅgā does purify people. When the faith of the person who resorts to her is intense, he is greatly benefitted by her. This, however, does not mean that one will be redeemed if one commits sins deliberately and then bathes in the Gaṅgā.”

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❑ Experiences of Devotees

Once I came to know that Acharyal was to visit Kashi. I very much wanted to go there, have His darśana and have a dip in the holy Ganges in the august presence of Acharyal. Somehow, I could not make the trip at all! That night I had a vivid dream. In that I found myself in Kashi among a group of devotees well known to me waiting at the river bank. Acharyal who stepped into the holy river Gaṅgā, looked at us and said, “You people can also bathe.” We then had our dip. The dream ended there. I was so happy that my wish was fulfilled at least in the dream. Later, when I happened to meet one of those devotees who had actually gone to Kashi during that time, I requested her to share with me her experiences over there. I was in for a surprise when she narrated the incident that took place at the bank of Ganges. It perfectly tallied with what I saw in my dream. I realised that out of His compassion His Holiness had granted my wish in the dream.

[Smt.Alamelu Krishnan]

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