Ganga Sahasra Archana Puja - Varanasi

About this puja

Worship of Maa Ganga by reciting her one thousand names, with offerings of flowers, lamps and sandalwood, performed at Triveni Ghat in Varanasi.

Ganga Sahasra Archana is a ritual in which Maa Ganga is worshipped by chanting her one thousand names. In Varanasi it is observed especially on Ganga Dussehra and other holy occasions, and it is commonly done at Dashashwamedh, Assi and Rajendra Prasad Ghats. This puja takes place at Triveni Ghat. Offerings of rice, flowers, a garland, a lamp, sandalwood, vermilion, a chunri, sweets and puffed rice are made to Maa Ganga. The mantra "Om Namo Bhagwate Gangaye Namah" is recited, and the puja closes with the aarti "Om Jai Ganga Mata".

Why devotees perform it

Devotees believe it washes away sins and brings peace to ancestors on their path to salvation. Said to bring mental and spiritual calm, devotion and a sense of divine energy. Traditionally performed to ask for relief from family troubles and hardship, and to invite happiness and prosperity. Performed in Varanasi, a holy city of Lord Shiva and one of the seven sacred cities, it is believed to support the path toward liberation.

Samagri

• Ganga water (गंगा जल)
• Panchamrit (पंचामृत)
• Ghee (घी)
• Honey (शहद)
• Sugar (चीनी)
• Flowers (पुष्प)
• Lamp (दीपक)
• Incense sticks (अगरबत्ती)
• Camphor (कपूर)
• Betel nut (सुपारी)
• Fruits (फल)