Ganga Mata Aarti - Complete ॐ जय गंगे माता Lyrics in Hindi & English
Introduction to Ganga Mata Aarti
The Ganga Mata Aarti, also known as "Om Jai Gange Mata," is one of the most sacred devotional hymns in Hinduism, dedicated to the holy River Ganges (Ganga). This divine river, considered the holiest in Hindu tradition, is worshipped as a goddess who descended from heaven to purify the souls of humanity.
The Ganga Aarti is performed at several sacred ghats along the river, most famously at Haridwar, Varanasi (Kashi), and Rishikesh. The evening aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists daily.
Mother Ganga is believed to have the power to wash away sins and liberate souls from the cycle of rebirth. Her waters are considered so pure that they are used in all Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
Spiritual Significance of Ganga
The Descent of Ganga
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga originally flowed in the heavens. King Bhagiratha performed intense penance to bring her to Earth to liberate the souls of his ancestors. Lord Shiva caught the mighty river in his hair (jata) to break her fall and prevent destruction on Earth.
The Purifying Power
Ganga Jal (Ganga water) is considered the purest substance in Hindu tradition. It is believed to purify everything it touches, and devotees take it to their homes for use in religious ceremonies, especially during death rituals.
Three Forms of Ganga
Ganga is believed to flow in three realms - in heaven as Mandakini, on Earth as Ganga, and in the netherworld as Bhogavati. This triple flow gives her the name "Tripathaga" (one who travels three paths).
Listen to Ganga Aarti
Experience the divine Ganga Aarti at Haridwar
Om Jai Gange Mata Aarti Lyrics
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि,मुनि-चय चकोर-चन्दिनि,
नर-नाग-बिबुध-बन्दिनि,जय जह्नुबालिका।
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
विष्णु-पद-सरोजजासि,ईस-सीस पर बिभासि,
त्रिपथगासि, पुन्यरासि,पाप-छालिका॥
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
बिमल बिपुल बहसि बारि,सीतल त्रयताप-हारि,
भँवर बर बिभन्गतरतरन्ग-मालिका।
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
पुरजन पूजोपहार सोभितससि धवल धार,
भंजन भव-भार,भक्ति-कल्प थालिका॥
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
निज तट बासी बिहन्ग,जल-थल-चर पसु-पतन्ग,
कीट, जटिल तापस,सब सरिस पालिका।
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
तुलसी तव तीर तीरसुमिरत रघुवन्स-बीर,
बिचरत मति देहिमोह-महिष-कालिका॥
जय जय भगीरथनन्दिनि...।
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini,Muni-Chaya Chakora-Chandini,
Nara-Naga-Bibudha-Bandini,Jaya Jahnubalika।
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Vishnu-Pada-Sarojajasi,Isa-Sisa Para Bibhasi,
Tripathagasi, Punyarasi,Papa-Chhalika॥
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Bimala Bipula Bahasi Bari,Sitala Trayatapa-Hari,
Bhanvara Bara BibhangataraTaranga-Malika।
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Purajana Pujopahara SobhitaSasi Dhavala Dhara,
Bhanjana Bhava-Bhara,Bhakti-Kalpa Thalika॥
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Nija Tata Basi Bihanga,Jala-Thala-Chara Pasu-Patanga,
Kita, Jatila Tapasa,Saba Sarisa Palika।
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Tulasi Tava Tira TiraSumirata Raghuvansa-Bira,
Bicharata Mati DehiMoha-Mahisha-Kalika॥
Jaya Jaya Bhagirathanandini...।
Aarti Meaning
Opening Verse
"ॐ जय गंगे माता, मैया जय गंगे माता। जो नर तुमको ध्याता, मनवांछित फल पाता॥"
Translation: "Victory to Mother Ganga! Whoever meditates upon you attains their heart's desires."
Liberation Verse
"शरण पड़े जो तेरी, सो नर तर जाता॥"
Meaning: "Whoever takes your refuge is liberated" - referring to Ganga's power to free souls from the cycle of rebirth.
King Sagara's Sons
"पुत्र सगर के तारे..."
Meaning: This refers to the 60,000 sons of King Sagara who were reduced to ashes by Sage Kapila and were liberated when Ganga's waters flowed over their remains.
Famous Ganga Aarti Locations
Haridwar - Har Ki Pauri
The most spectacular Ganga Aarti takes place daily at sunset at Har Ki Pauri ghat. Priests perform the ceremony with large flaming lamps while bells ring and devotees float leaf boats with flowers and diyas on the sacred waters.
Varanasi - Dashashwamedh Ghat
The ancient city of Varanasi hosts a grand Ganga Aarti every evening. Multiple priests perform synchronized rituals with fire, incense, and conch shells in an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Rishikesh - Triveni Ghat
In the yoga capital of the world, Ganga Aarti is performed in a serene atmosphere with the Himalayan foothills as backdrop, attracting spiritual seekers from around the world.
Spiritual Benefits
Purification
Cleanses sins and negative karma from this and past lives.
Liberation
Helps attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Ancestral Blessings
Brings peace to departed ancestors (Pitru).
Divine Grace
Invokes the blessings of the divine mother.
How to Perform Ganga Aarti at Home
- Keep Ganga Jal (Ganga water) in a clean copper or brass vessel
- Light a diya with ghee and incense sticks
- Offer flowers to the Ganga water while reciting the aarti
- Wave the diya in a clockwise circular motion
- Conclude by sprinkling Ganga Jal on yourself and in your home
❓ FAQs
Why is Ganga considered holy?
Ganga descended from heaven through Lord Shiva's hair and is believed to have the power to purify sins and grant liberation. Her waters are scientifically found to have unique antibacterial properties.
What time is Ganga Aarti performed?
The main Ganga Aarti is performed at sunset (around 6-7 PM depending on season) at major ghats. Morning aarti is also performed at sunrise.
Can I perform Ganga Aarti at home?
Yes! You can perform Ganga Aarti at home with Ganga Jal (available at temples or brought from pilgrimage). Keep the water in a clean vessel and perform aarti with devotion.