Ganga Lahari Stotram In English
Ganga Lahari Stotram is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by Pandit Jagannatha, a 17th-century scholar and poet. It is a devotional song dedicated to Maa Ganga (Goddess Ganga), the sacred river considered a divine entity in Hinduism. This stotram expresses deep reverence for the holy river, describing her purity, divine grace, and ability to cleanse sins and grant liberation (moksha).
Significance of Ganga Lahari Stotram
In Hindu tradition, Ganga is not just a river but a goddess who descended from the heavens to purify humanity. Bathing in her waters, offering prayers, or even chanting her name is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits. The Ganga Lahari Stotram glorifies her divine presence and requests her blessings for spiritual elevation and salvation.
This hymn is especially recited by devotees seeking:
- Purification of sins and negative karma.
- Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Divine blessings for prosperity and well-being.
- Inner peace and devotion towards Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga.
Origin and Composition
The Story Behind Its Creation
Pandit Jagannatha, once a court poet in the Mughal Empire, is said to have fallen in love with a Muslim woman, which led to his social exclusion from orthodox Hindu society. Feeling remorseful, he sought refuge at the banks of the Ganga River in Kashi (Varanasi). There, he composed Ganga Lahari Stotram, a heartfelt plea to Maa Ganga, seeking her divine grace and acceptance.
As the legend goes, after completing the hymn, he walked into the river, and miraculously, the waves of Ganga rose to embrace him, symbolizing his purification and spiritual liberation.
Structure of the Stotram
The hymn consists of 26 Sanskrit verses, filled with beautiful poetic descriptions of Goddess Ganga’s divine attributes, her sanctity, and her power to grant moksha.
Each verse praises Ganga as:
- The daughter of Sage Jahnu (hence called Jahnavi).
- The purifier of the three worlds (Bhuloka, Bhuvarloka, and Swargaloka).
- The liberator from sins, guiding souls towards salvation.
- The eternal consort of Lord Shiva, flowing from his matted locks.
Benefits of Chanting Ganga Lahari Stotram
- Removes Sins and Past Karmas – Chanting this stotram cleanses impurities of the mind and soul.
- Grants Moksha (Liberation) – It helps devotees detach from worldly illusions and attain spiritual enlightenment.
- Purifies the Mind and Body – It enhances inner peace, devotion, and clarity of thought.
- Blesses with Health, Prosperity, and Happiness – The divine energy of Ganga brings overall well-being.
- Protects from Negative Forces – It acts as a shield against evil influences and misfortunes.
Best Time and Method to Recite
- Early morning or evening, preferably near a river or water source.
- On Ganga Dussehra, Makar Sankranti, or during holy dips in the Ganges.
- Chanting it while taking a bath in the Ganga enhances its spiritual impact.
- It is ideal to recite with deep devotion and surrender, picturing the divine presence of Maa Ganga.
Ganga Lahari Stotram In English
Samridhdham Saubhagyam Sakalavasudhaya: Kimapi Than |
Mahaishvaryam Leelajanitha Jagatha: Gandaparasho: |
Shrutheenam Sarvasvam Sukrithamatha Moortham Sumanasam|
Sudhasodharyam They Salilamashivam Na: Shamayathu ||
Dharidhranam Dhainyam Dhurithamatha Dhurvasanahridham |
Dhrutham Dhoori Kurvan Sakridhapi Gatho Dhrishtisaranim |
Api DhragaVidhyadhrumadhalanadheeksha Gururiha|
Pravahasthe Varam Shriyamayamaparam Dhishathu Na: ||
Udhancchan Marththanda Spudakapada Herambajanani |
Kataksha Vyakshepakshana Janitha Samkshobha Nivaha: |
Bhavanthu Thvangantho Harashirasi Gangathanubhuvastharanga:
Proththunga Dhurithabhayabhangaya Bhavatham ||
Thvalambadhamba Spurathlaghugarvena Sahasa |
Maya Sarveavajja Saranimatha Neetha: Suragana: |
Indhaneemaudhasyam Bhajasi Yadhi Bhageerathi Thadha |
Niradharo Ha Rodhimi Kathaya Keshamiha Pura: ||
Smrithim Yatha Pumsamakritha Sukrithanamapi Cha Ya |
Haranthyanthasthandhram Thimiramiva Chandhrashusarani: |
Iyam Sa The Moorthi: Sakalasura Samsevya Salila |
Mamantha: Santhapam Thrividhamapi Papam Cha Haratham ||
Api Prajyam Rajyam Thrinamiva Parithyajya Sahasa |
Viloladhvaneeram Thava Janani Theeram Shrithavatham |
Sudhatha: Swadheeya Salilabharamathripthi Pibatham |
Jananamanandha: Parihasathi Nirvanapadhaveem ||
Prabhathe Snatheenam Nripathiramaneenam Kuchathadigatho Yavanmathar Milathi Thava Thoyair Mrigamadha: |
Mrigasthavadhvaimanika Shathasahasrai: Parivritha |
Vishanthi Swacchandham Vimalavapusho Nandhanavanam ||
Smritham Sadhya: Swantham Virachayathi Shantham Sakridhapi |
Prageetham Yathpapam Jadithi Bhavathapam Cha Harathi |
Idham Thadhangethi Shravanaramaneeyam Khalu Padham |
Mama Pranapranthe VadhanaKamalanthar Vilasathu ||
Yadhantha: Gelantho Bahulathara Santhoshabaritha |
Na Kaka Nakadheeshvara NagaraSakangshamanasa: |
Nivasalokanam Janimarana Shokapaharanam |
Thadhe Thaththe Theeram Shramashamanadheeram Bhavathu Na: ||
Na Yath Sakshathdhvedhairapi Galithabedhairavasitham |
Na Yasmin Jeevanam Prasarathi Manovagavasara: |
Nirakaram Nithyam Nijamahima Nirvasithathamo|
Vishuddham Yaththathvam Surathadini Thathvam Na Vishaya: ||
|| Jai Sriman Narayana ||
Ganga Lahari Stotram is a beautiful hymn that captures the essence of Maa Ganga’s divinity, compassion, and transformative power.
