Prayagraj: Millions have taken a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj over the past week, a dip widely believed to cleanse one’s sins and guarantee a place in heaven. The Ganges was all revered as Indiais holiest river and Pilgrims believe that bathe in Ganges water will purify the body and mind and Soul.
Religious scriptures state that bathing in the Ganges washes away ten categories of sins that are performed with ignorance. The ceremony gains not just physical purity but also brings mental tranquillity and spiritual upliftment.
The Ganges flows through so many places where people come to wash away their sins, and one question begs to be asked: how in the world does the Ganges itself stay pure? It is explained in scriptures that the river needs to be cleansed again and again with merit as its primary purpose is to wash away the sins of people.
The Ganges cannot be kept clean without the ascetics, yogis and monks. The Ganges, since it does such holy work of bringing such holy spirits in it, cleanses itself when these holy spirits take a bath in it. It is only a true ascetic who is able to serve the purpose of the Ganga, as Tulsidas aptly mused.
Hence, the high deeds of the ascetics should keep the Ganges pure, because if their spirit is not pure, the Ganges cannot stay pure.