Question
Why is Ganga considered sacred? Why do so many devotees worship this river?
Answer
As per the scripture, river Ganga is considered sacred because it has arisen from the feet of Vishnu and destroys the sins of a person:
caraṇābjasamudbhutā gaṃgā nameti viśrutā
pāpāanāṃ sthūlarāśīnāṃ naśinī śeti nārada [Padma Pu. - 6.22.3]Meaning
O Narada, renowned as Ganga, it has arisen from the lotus like feet (of Vishnu) and destroys sins in larger quantities.
Ganga being auspicious and destroyer of sins, it is revered and worshipped by the people:
mānyeyaṃ sarvadā loke pavitrā pāpanāśinī [Pdm. Pu. - 6.22.9]
She is pure, destroyer of sins and always honored in the world.
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