Gangadevi’s Yearning and Krishna’s Blessing
Gangadevi, the goddess of the Ganges, observed with admiration and joy the wonderful service that Yamuna Mai was rendering in Vrindavan. The gopas (cowherd boys) were bathing in Yamuna, and Krishna and Balarama, along with the cows, calves, and bulls, were enjoying the cool, sacred waters. Yashoda Mai would bathe Krishna in the Yamuna, and Nanda Maharaj would also take his bath there. Krishna and His friends engaged in joyful water sports, and the Yamuna facilitated all their pastimes with her soothing waters.
The gopis (cowherd girls) would gather on the banks of Yamuna for the divine rasa lila (dance) with Krishna. The Yamuna offered gentle breezes and lotus flowers for Krishna and the gopis, enhancing their divine play. Yamuna Mai was constantly serving and facilitating the loving pastimes of Krishna, Radha, and the gopis.
Although Gangadevi was not envious of Yamuna, she longed to render similar service. She performed tapasya (austerities), and Krishna blessed her, promising that in Kaliyuga, Radha and Krishna would appear as Gauranga Mahaprabhu, and she would have the opportunity to assist Him in every way.
Ganga’s Service in Gauranga’s Pastimes
When Gauranga Mahaprabhu (the combined form of Radha and Krishna) decided to appear in this world, He chose the auspicious occasion of a lunar eclipse when everyone was bathing in the Ganges and chanting the holy names—”Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” This made Gangadevi very happy, as she was directly involved in the collective chanting of the holy names.
As a child, Nimai (Gauranga Mahaprabhu) had a deep affection and devotion for the Ganges. His mother, Sachi Devi, would make all the necessary arrangements for Him to bathe in the sacred river. As a student, Nimai and His friends would spend much of the day playing in the Ganges, splashing water and engaging in playful pastimes, much like Krishna and the gopas in the Yamuna.
Nimai’s love for the Ganges was profound—He would bow down to her and worship her three times a day. When the great scholar Kesava Kasmiri came to Navadvipa, Nimai requested him to compose verses glorifying Mother Ganga. Kesava Kasmiri, empowered by Goddess Sarasvati, instantly composed a hundred verses in praise of Gangadevi. It was on the banks of the Ganga that Nimai liberated Kesava Kasmiri’s soul by removing his ego, making him humble and grateful, and thus able to receive the Lord’s mercy.
Mahaprabhu also inaugurated the Sankirtana movement (the congregational chanting of the holy names) on the banks of the Ganga. Later, when He took sannyasa (the renounced order) at Katwa, He bathed in the Ganga and then proceeded to Puri.
Gangadevi’s Continuous Service
Gangadevi, eager to continue serving Gauranga Mahaprabhu, rushed from Navadvipa to the sea at Ganga Sagar, where she merged with the ocean. From there, she flowed rapidly to Puri, where Mahaprabhu was residing. There, she assisted the ocean in facilitating the happiness of the Lord and His devotees. Mahaprabhu would bathe in the sea three times a day, and Gangadevi, through the ocean, continued her service to Him.
When Mahaprabhu decided to visit Bengal, He expressed His deep love for Gangadevi, saying, “I come in two forms in this age of Kali—as wood (Jagannath) and as water (Ganga)—to deliver the fallen souls from their sins and give them love for Krishna.” As He approached the Ganges, He began glorifying her, saying, “Anyone who bathes in the Ganga, touches the Ganga, drinks her waters, sees her, or is touched by a breeze that has come from the Ganga will attain Krishna Prema—love for Krishna.”
Lessons to Be Learned from Gangadevi’s Devotion
- Selfless Service:
- Gangadevi’s longing to serve, without any trace of envy towards Yamuna, exemplifies true selflessness. Her desire to assist in the pastimes of the Lord, even in another form, teaches us the importance of serving the Lord with a pure heart, without seeking recognition or reward.
- The Power of Devotion and Austerity:
- Gangadevi’s tapasya and Krishna’s blessing illustrate that sincere devotion and austerity are always recognized and rewarded by the Lord. Her deep devotion allowed her to serve both Krishna in Vrindavan and Gauranga Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa and Puri.
- The Sanctity of the Ganges:
- Mahaprabhu’s reverence for Gangadevi and His teachings about her sanctity emphasize the spiritual power of sacred rivers like the Ganges. Bathing in her waters, touching her, or even being near her can grant the highest spiritual benedictions, including Krishna Prema.
- Divine Reciprocation:
- The way Gauranga Mahaprabhu reciprocated with Gangadevi’s devotion shows the Lord’s loving nature. He ensured that Gangadevi could continue her service in various forms, fulfilling her desire to assist in His divine pastimes.
Prayer for Devotion and Service
O Mother Ganga, embodiment of purity and devotion, We bow before you, seeking your blessings and grace.
May we, like you, long to serve the Lord selflessly, Without envy or desire for recognition.
O Supreme Lord Gauranga, source of all compassion and love, Grant us the opportunity to serve You in all circumstances, And to be touched by Your divine presence, as we are by the sacred waters of the Ganga.
May our hearts be purified by Your grace, And may we attain Krishna Prema through Your divine mercy.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Om Tat Sat.
