Mother Ganga

Mother Ganga, in the belief of India (Hindus), emphasizes the aspect of atonement, the purification of sins through the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, by using water for bathing, washing, and participating in various rituals to worship the Mother or as a medium to connect with other deities. In China, she is seen as a deity who provides assistance with water-related issues. In Thailand, the belief in worshiping Mother Ganga focuses more on seeking forgiveness from her during the Loy Krathong festival, reflecting the gratitude for water, with Mother Ganga representing water itself. Worshiping Mother Ganga is also seen as a way to promote water conservation, which has made the Loy Krathong tradition famous worldwide.

According to Indian beliefs, it is said that she rides on a large fish or crocodile as her vehicle. She is the goddess who gives birth to the river Ganga according to Indian beliefs, and Hindus also believe that the Ganga can cleanse their sins. Mother Ganga does not have a specific form as she is not divided into different incarnations but is associated with Lord Shiva in the form of Gangeshvara. Additionally, she can be found in the idol of Lord Shiva, where she appears as water flowing from Shiva's hair.

Mother Ganga is the guardian of the Ganga river, which is considered a sacred river flowing from heaven. In India, there are several rivers such asthe Saraswati River (believed to flow from Brahmaloka)the Santoshi River (Mother Santoshi, daughter of Lord Ganesha, is the guardian)

the Ganga River (Mother Ganga is the guardian)the Yamuna River (believed to be the sacred river of Lord Vishnu)

Water from the Ganga is considered to be able to cleanse the sins of all humans, and there are two rivers that can purify human sins:

the Ganga River throughout its coursethe Yamuna Riverat the source near the Yadakiri mountain of Sage Yadashi, which is the residence of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. When performing various rituals, water from this Ganga must be included in the ceremonies.