CALIFORNIA, USA, November 27, 2005: The Atma Jyoti Ashram in California sends the following press release:
The most sacred river of India is the Ganga, which Hindus literally believe flows from heaven to earth for the purification of all whom its waters touch. To the Hindu the Ganga is divinity in the form of a river. Originating high in the Himalayan mountain range, the Ganga emerges on the Indian plains at the holy city of Hardwar (also called Gangadwar-the Gateway of the Ganga). The Kumbha-mela is held here every twelve years.
Any bathing in the Ganga is considered supremely purifying and meritorious, but the most auspicious place in Hardwar for the sacred bath is known as the Brahma Kund (also known as Hari-ki-Pairi). Every night at about 6:00 p.m. there is worship (arati) of the Ganga at the Brahma Kund. The arati-worship consists of an elaborate ritual of offering large lamps to the Ganga accompanied by the loud banging of ceremonial gongs, the playing of musical instruments and the singing of hymns in praise of the Ganga.
In February of 2003, pilgrim-monks from the Atma Jyoti Ashram in California participated in the Ganga worship, which they also videotaped, as well as the shrines and religious goods shops located around the Brahma Kund. Thanks to improving video web technology, the monks have been able to edit a fifteen minute version of this footage in QuickTime streaming video format which can be seen free on their website at “source” above. Lovers of India will enjoy this slice of the daily life of Hardwar.