Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.17.9
Sthāna· The universe in orderBathing in the Ganges Brings Spiritual Benefit
“Similarly, the branch of the Ganges known as Alakanandā flows from the southern side of Brahmapurī [Brahma-sadana]. Passing over the tops of mountains in various lands, it falls down with fierce force upon the peaks of the mountains Hemakūṭa and Himakūṭa. After inundating the tops of those mountains, the Ganges falls down onto the tract of land known as Bhārata-varṣa, which she also inundates. Then the Ganges flows into the ocean of salt water in the south. Persons who come to bathe in this river are fortunate. It is not very difficult for them to achieve with every step the results of performing great sacrifices like the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha yajñas.”
What the purport teaches
- Alakanandā flows south from Brahmapurī, passes over mountains and inundates Bhārata-varṣa. She then enters the southern saltwater ocean.
- Those who come to bathe in this river are fortunate. The results of great sacrifices like the Aśvamedha and Rājasūya yajñas are not difficult for them to achieve.
- The purport describes pilgrims bathing at Prayāga and Gaṅgā-sāgara, hoping for liberation. It emphasizes the special facility of having many places to bathe in the Ganges.
Try this today
Reread the final two sentences of the translation and reflect for one minute on why these pilgrims are called fortunate.
Ask yourself
How does this verse help me appreciate the spiritual opportunity offered by the Ganges?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.