Manasi Ganga

Manasi Ganga, Govardhan;

This most sacred lake is the largest of all kundas and is situated right in the heart of Govardhan town. The waters of Manasi-ganga are said to be non-different from the Ganges itself. In fact it is considered to be even better. One who bathes in the river Ganges is purified of all sins, but one who bathes in Manasi-ganga is not only purified of sins, but will also achieve prema-bhakti, the highest platform of pure loving devotion to Krishna.

Manasi Ganga;

How did Manasi Ganga appear?

Appearance of Ganga Devi in Vrindavan;

“Once a demon sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna assumed the form of a calf and hid amongst the cattle herds of Krishna. When Krishna realized this He killed the demon. But because He had killed the demon when he was in the form of a calf, the cowherd boys refused to play with Krishna, and asked Krishna to bathe in the Ganges to purify Himself. Not wanting to leave Vraja, Krishna meditated upon the Ganga within His mind (Manasi) and she manifested before Him in the form of Manasi-ganga. Krishna then took bath in the waters of Manasi-ganga to the delight of His cowherd friends.

Manasi Ganga non-different from Ganga

Manasi Ganga non different from Ganga;

Krishna revealed to the residents of Vrindavan that Manasi Ganga situated near Govardhan is non-different from Ganga.

“One day Nanda Maharaj and the cowherd men heard the glories of Ganga: Once Garuda was carrying a snake in his claws and was flying over Ganga, when accidentally the tail of the snake touched the waters of Ganga and the snake immediately transformed to a four handed form of the residents of Vaikuntha. Amazed, Garuda then placed that divine being on his back and took him to Vaikuntha.

Hearing this pastime, Nanda Maharaj and the others desired to go to the Ganges and take bath in her. But Krishna stopped them and explained that all the holy places resided in Vrindavan, and therefore there was no need to go out of Vrindavan. He took them to Manasi Ganga. At that point, Mother Ganga personally came out on her crocodile. When the Vrajavasis saw Mother Ganga they offered obeisances to her. Nanda Maharaj and the others then took their holy bath in Manasi Ganga. This incident which took place on the day of Diwali is still commemorated by offering lamps to Manasi Ganga on that day.

Temple at Manasi Ganga;