Liquid Shakti
The Ganges River—mythologized as falling from heaven to earth—is a manifestation of Shakti, the female life- energy of Shiva. Bathing in the Ganges River is an essential daily act of the pilgrim in Varanasi, invoking the water as a giver of life, immortality, and healing.

The Myth of the Rivers
Soloists: Ranee Ramaswamy, Ashwini Ramaswamy, Aparna Ramaswamy
The Ganges is believed to feed thousands of rivers and water bodies, forever making the gods present and humans linked.

In His incarnation as Vamana, Vishnu transformed into Trivikrama, lifting His left foot and, with His big toe, tearing the sheath of the universe and releasing Ganga from the heavens. Shiva calmed Her ferocious waters by trapping them in His hair, releasing Her in small streams.

As Vishnu’s incarnation of Krishna, He saved the Yamuna River. The water of the Yamuna seethed with the poison of the snake-demon, Kaliya. Nothing grew on the river bank; no bird or beast was spared. To save the river and the people, Krishna leapt onto Kaliya's head, assuming the weight of the whole universe, dancing the snake into submission.

Ganga as Mother Goddess
Goddess Ganga is the liquid essence of life, the celestial river cascading from heaven to nourish humanity.

Goddess Ganga is worshipped through an immersive engagement with the river. The repetitive pouring of water by devotees recognizes the life-giving force of the water, the ability to wash away troubles, and the acceptance of old age and death. The devotee ultimately seeks the embrace of Mother Ganga to cross over into a place of joy after death.