2010-12-03Srimad Bhagavatam 09.09.13-14 - Greatness Of Mother Ganges And The Devotees (download mp3)
by Adi Keshava Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty
www.iskcondesiretree.net
SB 9.9.13
bhasmibhutanga-sangena
svar yatah sagaratmajah
kim punah sraddhaya devim
sevante ye dhrta-vratah
svar yatah sagaratmajah
kim punah sraddhaya devim
sevante ye dhrta-vratah
Translation:
Simply by having water from the Ganges come in contact with the ashes of their burnt bodies, the sons of Sagara Maharaja were elevated to the heavenly planets. Therefore, what is to be said of a devotee who worships mother Ganges faithfully with a determined vow? One can only imagine the benefit that accrues to such a devotee.
Simply by having water from the Ganges come in contact with the ashes of their burnt bodies, the sons of Sagara Maharaja were elevated to the heavenly planets. Therefore, what is to be said of a devotee who worships mother Ganges faithfully with a determined vow? One can only imagine the benefit that accrues to such a devotee.
SB 9.9.14
na hy etat param ascaryam
svardhunya yad ihoditam
ananta-caranambhoja-
prasutaya bhava-cchidah
na hy etat param ascaryam
svardhunya yad ihoditam
ananta-caranambhoja-
prasutaya bhava-cchidah
Translation:
Because mother Ganges emanates from the lotus toe of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Anantadeva, she is able to liberate one from material bondage. Therefore whatever is described herewith about her is not at all wonderful.
Because mother Ganges emanates from the lotus toe of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Anantadeva, she is able to liberate one from material bondage. Therefore whatever is described herewith about her is not at all wonderful.
Purport:
It has actually been seen that anyone who regularly worships mother Ganges simply by bathing in her water keeps very good health and gradually becomes a devotee of the Lord. This is the effect of bathing in the water of the Ganges. Bathing in the Ganges is recommended in all Vedic sastras, and one who takes to this path will certainly be completely freed from all sinful reactions. The practical example of this is that the sons of Maharaja Sagara went to the heavenly planets when water from the Ganges merely touched the ashes of their burnt bodies.
