JAHARNAVI (JAHNAVI) Jaharnavi (Jahnavi) was brought by the ascetic Bhagiratha….. (Malar M. 4, p. 1263) Jaharnavi or Jahnavi is another name for the river Ganga (Ganges). When, after the propitiation of Brahma and Shiva, Ganga was being brought from heaven, the sage Jahnu was disturbed in his devotions by the passage of the river. In great ire, he drank up its waters. Afterwards, when he relented he allowed the river to issue from his ear. Therefore Ganga is called Jahnavi i.e. the daughter of Jahnu. See : Ganga , Bhagiratha
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
In Hindu mythology, Jahnavi is another name for the sacred river Ganga (the Ganges). This name originates from a fascinating legend involving Sage Jahnu, which highlights the divine and purifying nature of the river.
The Story of Jahnavi:
When the river Ganga descended from the heavens to the earth, her turbulent waters caused destruction and flooded the hermitage of Sage Jahnu. Angered by this, Jahnu drank the entire river to stop the chaos. The gods and King Bhagiratha, who had brought Ganga to earth, pleaded with Jahnu to release her. Moved by their prayers, Jahnu allowed Ganga to flow out from his ear. From that moment, she became known as Jahnavi, signifying her connection to Sage Jahnu.
Symbolism:
- Purification: Ganga, as Jahnavi, represents the cleansing of sins and the renewal of life.
- Divine Intervention: The story underscores the interplay between human actions and divine grace in maintaining cosmic balance.
- Connection to Dharma: Jahnavi’s descent to earth was to help King Bhagiratha perform the final rites for his ancestors, emphasizing the importance of dharma (righteous duty). Worship and Cultural Significance:
The Ganga is worshipped as a goddess in Hinduism, and her waters are considered sacred. Bathing in the river is believed to purify the soul and lead to liberation (moksha). The name Jahnavi is often used in prayers and hymns dedicated to the river.
