“Sab tirth bar bar, Gangasagar ek bar”,
It is said that we may visit other holy places several times, but
being at Gangasagar, just once in life, is enough to give us salvation.
Gangasagar pilgrimage is like none other.

Gangasagar Island

Gangasagar is a place in West Bengal, India, where holy river Ganga merges in Bay of Bengal.
Now, how would you describe the enormity of mission when dedicated Atulya Ganga walkers take epic journey on foot to immerse in the spirit of Gangasagar?
Never done before.
Not even considered to be possible.

Inside ferry to Gangasagar Island

The impossible became possible on 4th February 2021 when Atulya Ganga Parikarma walkers arrived at Gangasagar island, boarding ferry from Harwood Point.
Covering 1500 km in 51 days.

Moment of Ecstacy

A milestone achieved. A history written.
I am so priviledged to live this reality and be a part of this historic moment, alongwith my co-walkers.
An enthralling experience for my body.
And an ecstatic feel for my mind.

Gangasagar ritual bath

Me blessed to have holy dip

Celebration started as soon as we arrived at beach in Gangasagar.
Mystique of sun down had set the mood for a holy bath in Gangasagar.
Alongwith joyous co-walkers I took a ritual dip.
Felt so energized as if tiredness dared not touch me.
Whole night spent in savoring the moment.
While superbly excited for next morning to witness the sunrise at sea and seal the moment in camera.
To be followed by religious rituals specifically planned for Atulya Ganga Parikarma team.

Sunrise hue in horizon

Spectacle of golden rays on beach

On 5th Feb morning,
I strolled at beach with eyes glued on sky to catch the first glimpse of sunrise.
Slowly colors in horizon changed, from pink to red and to golden.
Beach bathed in golden hue.

Walkers participating in rituals

Six walkers being blessed

Whole Atulya Ganga team gathered to participate in rituals.
Walkers’ faces glowed in golden sun rays.
Wrapped in the divine aura of Gangasagar.
Amid religious chants performed by priests.
Infusing sacred vibes into walkers.
Tuning them into the mighty performers of 6000 km Ganga parikarma.

U-turn to other side of Ganga in ferry

Me excited for second leg of Atulya Ganga parikarma.

Amazing sunset view on way

After performing puja at Gangasagar beach Atulyaganga Parikarma team sailed in ferry at Geokhali Ghat to take U-turn to other side of Ganga.

A glimpse of clean and green Gangasagar

Whole Gangasagar stretch is clean and green. Plenty of trees to get the shade in hot weather.

Welcome feel

Statues of sages and welcome signs adorn the whole route to Gangasagar sea point.

Mythological Story

For curious readers of mythology here is
special treat. Delve in it…

On the suggestion of sage Aurva, king Sagar started to perform Ashvamedha Yagna which is supposed to be a vehicle to propitiate Lord Hari himself.

The sacrificial horses were set out to roam free around the country before closing the yagna.
Indra hid one of the sacrificial horses. With a view to concluding the sacrifice, king Sagar commanded his 60000 sons to go, search and locate the lost horse.
The sons of Sagara were deluded as Indra destroyed their sense of discrimination.
Finding the horse tied close to the hermitage of sage Kapila, the sons of Sagara started abusing the sage of stealing the horse and in fact wanted to kill him with their weapons.

At this point, the sage opened his eyes and blaze of anger came out of his eye balls which burnt king’s sons and consigned their soul into hell instantly.
Sagar was very sad at the death of his sons.
He wanted to bring back the horse and purify the soul of his sons.

Then king Sagar sent his grandson Anshuman in search of his 60000 sons and the lost horse.
He traced his uncle’s footsteps and arrived at Kapil Muni’s ashram.
He saw the lost horse and mounds of ashes near the hermitage.
He brought the horse back from the sage.
Also begged him to redeem the soul of the 60000 sons of king Sagar.
Kapil Muni suggested him to bring the Ganga on earth as only her holy water can give them imancipation.

King Anshuman and thereafter his son Dilip started to perform tapasya to bring
the Ganga on earth.
Neither Anshuman nor his son was successful in this task.

They died before finishing the tapasya. Bhagirath the son of Dilip and great grandson of Sagar was determined to get their task done.
Vishnu the preserver when prayed by Bhagirath agreed to allow the heavenly Ganga issuing from his big toe to come down on earth.

Ganga apprehended the devastation of the earth by the pressure of her flow. Only Shiva’s powerful hair could control the force of Ganga.
Bhagirath requested Shiva to help him. As soon as Ganga flowed down, Lord Shiva collected her water in his hair in the form of many small streams.

Ganga then followed Bhagirath to the place where the ashes of his ancestors were lying.
Holy water flowed on and purified the ashes of Bhagirath’s ancestors. Thereafter Ganga is also called Bhagirathi after the name of Bhagirath.

The ocean becomes popular as Sagar after the name of king Sagara.
This island as the estuarine of Sagara and Ganga comes to be known as Sagardwip.
Ref: https://gangasagar.co.in

My Personal Appeal
Atulya Ganga is a mission to make Ganga clean and pious, again.
Free holy Ganga from the clutches of all impurities that pollute Maa Ganga.
Mission has given 11 years to make this happen.
Mammoth task ahead.
Spirits are high.
Team is devoted.
But resources are minimal.
As full parikarma walker, I appeal you with gratitude.

KINDLY CONTRIBUTE MONETARILY FOR ATULYA GANGA MISSION.Z
I am dedicated, alongwith my co-walkers, physically, spiritually and contribute monetary too.
YOUR DONATIONS ARE FUEL TO OUR MISSION.

Below are the links to make donations:

https://www.atulyaganga.com/support-now/

Atulyaganga walkathon continues….