In the holy land of India, the constant flowing Ganga is not just a flow of a river, but a lifeline of thousands of living being, to provide salvation and as similar to a ‘Jag Janani Ma’. The legacy of the Ganga has affected right from the Vedas to the mystics of today. If mythological stories are to be believed- the credit to bring Ganga on the earth goes to Gautam Rishi & King Bhagirath.

The Ganga arriving from the Lord Shiva’s Jatas, has 3 directions. Swarg Ganga which is also known as Mandakini, 2nd Bhagirathi Ganga and the 3rd Patal Ganga. Thus, it is also known as the Tripad Gamini.

The majesty of the Ganga has been described in various mythological tales from time to time. The poets or religious gurus, saints of different genre, caste or religion have described Ganga as their source of inspiration and Goddess to worship. The Shakaracharyas, Vallabhacharya, Bodh Gurus & Jain Saints, Muslim Peers and Poets have also described Ganga’s eternity. The poets and eminent writers of Hindi literature have also offered their gratitude towards the motivational and inspirational Ganga.

Lifeline and holy Ganga, flows of Gangotri from the Himalayas, and travels long way of North of India and merges in the Bay of Bengal in the east, making whole of north and east a holy region for pilgrimage for the millions of people of India as well as attracting tourists from all over the world.

In this long holy journey of Ganga, at four places it becomes Uttarvahini, the term uttarvahini has a very mythological importance as per the Hindu Mythology which is defined as Uttar or North being the position of God, which is termed as the path of salvation, therefore, life and death karmas are followed in this four places.

The Uttarvahini Ganga,

Haridwar- Here Ganga is Uttarayan for a little, which is also known as Haris’, Vishnu’s dwar or door. Also known as Hari Dham.

Kashi- In Kashi Ganga, is more uttarayan than Haridwar. Ganga here merges with five more rivers like varuna and asi which is why, this place is also known as Varanasi. It is said that, Kashi is set on the Trishul of Lord Shiva.

Sultanganj-In Sultanganj, Ganga is uttarvahini for almost one and a half kilometers, where the holy Ajgaibinath Temple is situated. Every year millions of Shiv followers, in the month of ‘Sawan’ an auspicious month as per the Hindu calendar, take the water of Holy River as ‘Ganga Jal’ to 110 km from here to Baba Baidyanath Dham, for the ‘Jal Abhishek’.

Kahalgaon- Here the Ganga covers a long distance as Uttarvahini for 6 kilometeres. From kahalgaon to Bateswar Sthan, Ganga is completely Uttarvahini. Here Koshi and Ganga merges, where Maharishi Vashisth is believed to have worshipped. Identifying the importance of this place, in 8th century, King Dharampal of Pal Dynasty, formed the World famous Vikramshila Mahavihar, in this place.

The Ganges has played a remarkable role in glorifying the beauty and holiness of the city of Bhagalpur or earlier known to be Ang Janpad. In the Ang Janpad, Ganga is Uttarayan in two places, one in Sultanganj and Kahalgaon.

In ‘oriup’ & ‘lalapur’ villages in kahalgaon, ruins of microliths human and human cultural have been found due the river Ganges.

The Uttarayani Ganga’s impact in the Bhagalpur region has effects on Sultanganj & Kahalgaon, which plays a pivotal role in the spiritual culture of this ancient city. It is very much clear the above mentioned facts and cultural background of Ang Janpad or Bhagalpur region is that Bhagalpur has been culturally rich and a centre of religion, culture, education, trade etc from ancient times.