NewDelhi April 20 : Seers and sages who take part in the Kumbh Mela bathe in the holy waters of the Ganga on special occasions. These bathing rituals are classified as Shahi Snan and Ganga Snan. The first Shahi Snan of the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar 2021 took place on Maha Shivaratri, followed by Somvati Amavasya and Baisakhi. And the last Shahi Snan will take place on Chaitra Purnima Tithi. Similarly, the first Ganga Snan of the ongoing Kumbh Mela took place on Makar Sankranti, followed by one on Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchami, Magh Purnima and Rama Navami. Out of all these dates, the Snan on Rama Navami is the most important because it marks the birth anniversary of Shri Rama.<\/p>\n
Rama Navami, which is celebrated on the Navami Tithi (ninth day) of Chaitra, Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Lunar cycle) commemorates the birth anniversary of Shri Rama. Therefore, a Snan on this date is mandatory.<\/p>\n
The Ganga is believed to have descended from heaven to help people attain Moksha (salvation). Hence, the waters of the Ganga is hailed as one with miraculous powers. Therefore, the significance of a Snan on occasions like Rama Navami increases manifold.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, one of Shri Rama’s ancestor, Bhageeratha, played a pivotal role in bringing the Ganga to the Earth. He performed intense penance to please the Gods and invite Ganga to help his forefathers attain Moksha. Therefore, Ganga is also known as Bhagirathi.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, during his fourteen-year-long exile, Shri Rama crossed the mighty Ganga after taking help from a Kewat (boatman), who helped the Lord, his consort Sita and Lakshman reach the other bank of the sacred river in his boat.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, it is believed that a dip in the river on significant days relieves people of their sins, cleanses their mind and body and helps them attain Moksha (liberation from the vicious cycle of birth, life and death). Hence, the importance of a Ganga Snan on Rama Navami day.<\/p>\n