Date, Puja Muhurat, and the Sacred Story of Maa Ganga’s Reappearance on Earth
Ganga Saptami, also known as Ganga Jayanti or Ganga Punarjanma, will be celebrated with great devotion on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
According to the Hindu Panchang, this auspicious day falls on the Saptami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakha.
It is believed that on this sacred day, Goddess Ganga, who had once submerged in the Patala Lok (netherworld) to purify the ashes of the sons of King Sagara, reemerged to Earth through the blessings of Sage Jahnu. Hence, Ganga Saptami is also called Jahnu Saptami or Jahnavi Jayanti.
Ganga Saptami Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Saptami Tithi Begins: 04:10 PM on May 07, 2025
Saptami Tithi Ends: 06:42 PM on May 08, 2025
Puja Muhurat (Best Time): 10:00 AM to 01:15 PM
On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the River Ganga during sunrise or during the auspicious muhūrta, as it is believed to wash away all sins and grant moksha (liberation).
Ganga Saptami is one of the most sacred days dedicated to Maa Ganga, the divine river goddess who purifies every being that touches her holy waters.
According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Mata descended to Earth from the heavens to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors and liberate them from sin.
But few know that after descending, Maa Ganga was once absorbed by Sage Jahnu during a sacrificial ritual (yajna). Later, when King Bhagiratha prayed and pleaded, Sage Jahnu released her from his ear, granting her the name “Jahnavi.”
Thus, Ganga Saptami marks the day when Maa Ganga reappeared from Sage Jahnu’s ear — symbolizing purification, forgiveness, and divine rebirth.
This sacred event signifies the eternal nature of purity — that even when suppressed, divinity always re-emerges to bless the world with light, wisdom, and peace.
Devotees begin their day early by taking a dip in the holy Ganga or in any sacred water body, chanting:
“Om Namo Ganga Devyai Namah”
It is believed that bathing in her waters today removes sins of past births and brings spiritual awakening.
After bathing, devotees set up a clean altar with the image or idol of Maa Ganga, decorated with fresh flowers, white cloth, and sacred offerings.
Light a lamp and incense before Maa Ganga.
Offer white flowers, sandalwood, fruits, jaggery, and milk.
Recite Ganga Stotra, Ganga Ashtakam, or Ganga Sahasranama.
Pour holy Ganga water over a Shivalinga, symbolizing the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga.
On this day, devotees are encouraged to donate clothes, food, water, and copper vessels to Brahmins or the poor.
Performing Annadanam (feeding the needy) is considered the most sacred act, believed to multiply one’s virtue (punya).
In the evening, devotees perform Ganga Aarti with lamps, diyas, and bhajans. The riverbanks glow with lights, and devotees sing:
“Har Har Gange, Jai Maa Gange”
It is said that even hearing the sound of this aarti brings peace and purity to the soul.
The legend of Ganga Saptami finds its roots in the Puranas, especially the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.
After descending from the heavens upon the request of King Bhagiratha, Maa Ganga followed him toward the ocean to purify the ashes of the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. On her way, the unstoppable flow of her waters disturbed the penance of Sage Jahnu, who was meditating deeply.
In anger, the sage drank up the entire river in one gulp. Seeing this, King Bhagiratha became disheartened and prayed with deep devotion to the sage. Pleased by his sincere prayers, Sage Jahnu released Ganga from his right ear.
Thus, on this divine day, Maa Ganga was reborn — this time as Jahnavi, the daughter of Sage Jahnu.
Since then, this event has been celebrated as Ganga Saptami, the day of Ganga’s Punarjanma (rebirth).
Cleanses all sins and negative karmas.
Brings peace, prosperity, and purity to the household.
Grants the blessings of Lord Shiva and Maa Ganga together.
Ensures liberation (moksha) for ancestors when tarpan is performed.
Helps in overcoming obstacles and attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Do’s:
Take a bath in the Ganga river or sprinkle Ganga Jal at home.
Offer water to the Sun (Surya Arghya) after your bath.
Chant Ganga mantras and perform aarti in the morning and evening.
Donate generously to the needy.
Don’ts:
Avoid anger, lies, or arguments on this sacred day.
Do not pollute or disrespect the river.
Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food or alcohol.
Do not use harsh words or hurt anyone’s emotions.
Ganga Saptami is not just a festival — it is a reminder of divine purity, forgiveness, and rebirth.
Just as Maa Ganga returned to Earth to cleanse the sins of humanity, devotees believe that by worshipping her on this day, they too can wash away negativity and fill their hearts with peace and devotion.
Let us all bow before Maa Ganga, the giver of life, purity, and salvation.
May her divine waters flow forever within our hearts — bringing wisdom, compassion, and eternal bliss.
“Har Har Gange! Jai Maa Gange!”
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