Sailing Together.........Through Life.........Through Death
On the day of the holy dip at Gangasagar, many pilgrims perform the symbolic crossing of the river Vaitarani to attain transcendence (Moksha). It is interesting and at the same time looks funny to observe the pilgrims clutching the tail of a cow and wading through a puddle a few paces.
Crossing the symbolic river actually comes from deep religious belief. Like Styx river in Greek mythology, Vaitarani river, as mentioned in the ancient Hindu religious texts (Puranas), lies between the earth and the infernal underworld (Naraka), the realm of Hindu god of death (Yama). As every dying soul needs to cross on the way to heaven and forever free themselves from the torment of Yama, the tail of a strong cow will ensure an easy and safe transit across the dreaded river full of blood with whirlpools, filled with huge crocodiles and flesh-eating birds.
Observing the rituals closely which impressed me most that the couple by clutching the tail together believe that death can not separate them and their souls will sail their last journey safely on the way to heaven!
Ganga Sagar - pain, bliss and sanctification
The Ganga Sagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair, held annually, is the second largest congregation of mankind (more than 0.8 million this year) after the holy Kumbha Mela. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India
Sailing Together.........Through Life.........Through Death
On the day of the holy dip at Gangasagar, many pilgrims perform the symbolic crossing of the river Vaitarani to attain transcendence (Moksha). It is interesting and at the same time looks funny to observe the pilgrims clutching the tail of a cow and wading through a puddle a few paces.
Crossing the symbolic river actually comes from deep religious belief. Like Styx river in Greek mythology, Vaitarani river, as mentioned in the ancient Hindu religious texts (Puranas), lies between the earth and the infernal underworld (Naraka), the realm of Hindu god of death (Yama). As every dying soul needs to cross on the way to heaven and forever free themselves from the torment of Yama, the tail of a strong cow will ensure an easy and safe transit across the dreaded river full of blood with whirlpools, filled with huge crocodiles and flesh-eating birds.
Observing the rituals closely which impressed me most that the couple by clutching the tail together believe that death can not separate them and their souls will sail their last journey safely on the way to heaven!
Ganga Sagar - pain, bliss and sanctification
The Ganga Sagar Mela continues to throb with life, with the energy of millions of pilgrims. The pilgrimage may be extremely tough, but the pilgrims know that the visit will purify their souls. The visit fulfils their lifelong desire and often one can see tears of joy rolling down their cheeks. That is the magic of religion!
Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair, held annually, is the second largest congregation of mankind (more than 0.8 million this year) after the holy Kumbha Mela. Almost a million of Hindu devotees from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip and perform rituals and prayer (puja) with a belief that it will cleanse and purify their souls.
Images of Bengal, India