“Know the self as Lord of the chariot, the body as the chariot itself, the discriminating intellect as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins. The sense, say the wise, are the horses; selfish desires are the roads they travel” ~ Katha Upanishad
Today Pushya Nakshatra of Brihaspati is operating at sunrise. It is also celebrated as Ganga Saptami. The holy Indian river Ganga was supposed to be have been reborn on the 7th waxing lunar day of Vishaka lunar month.
It is Shukla Saptami tithi(7th lunar day of waxing moon) today. Lord Surya or the Sun God rules this tithi.
Chant Aditya Hridayam and visualise yourself on the banks of River Ganga offering Argya (water offered at the respectful reception of a guest) to the Sun on this auspicious day of Ganga Saptami.
Offering water to the SUN god is practiced during sunrise time and during this process, spectrum of sun-rays refract through the water impacting us positively from head to toe. As a result we automatically gain through the ‘water therapy of sun-rays.’
This process helps us miraculously in the intellectual upliftment of the individual and it also reflects enhancement of his acumen in decision making, in eye-sight, digestion, luster as well as splendor. And astrologically speaking, it helps to strengthen the placement of sun in our birth chart!
The legend and significance of Ganga Saptami is explained in various puranic scriptures like ‘Padma Purana’, ‘Brahma Purana’ and ‘Narada Purana’. As per the Hindu mythological beliefs, Goddess Ganga first descended to Earth on the day ‘Ganga Dussehra’. However, once Sage Jahnu drank up Ganga’s water and only after being pleaded by Gods and King Bhagiratha, he released Ganga from his ear once again on the Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Saptami.
From then onwards this day marks the rebirth of Goddess Ganga and is also referred as ‘Jahnu Saptami’. Goddess Ganga is also named as ‘Jahnavi’ for being the daughter of Rishi Jahnu.