Our ancestral heritage reflects material prosperity, profound philosophical wisdom, and spiritual progress. To inherit and preserve this legacy is also to express gratitude to the generations-past and present-whose efforts have made it possible. This spirit of gratitude is deeply embedded in the ethos and traditions of Sanatana Dharma, particularly in the observance of Nitya and Naimittika Karmas.
The sacred narrative of Gangavataranam beautifully embodies these values. Although Devi Ganga’s descent to Earth was brought about for the deliverance of the Pitrs of the Ikshvaku lineage, her significance extends far beyond this episode. A source of purity, liberation, and divine grace, Ganga holds an unparalleled place in Sanatana Dharma. Modern scientific studies have also explored the distinctive purifying properties of Ganga’s waters, including the presence and role of bacteriophages.
In this course, Sri Nagendra Karthik will guide learners through the timeless story of Devi Ganga, drawing primarily from the Srimad Valmiki Ramayana. Through live and interactive sessions, learners will explore Ganga’s divine origin, her descent to Earth, her connection with the Ikshvaku lineage, and her enduring spiritual and cultural significance.
This course will also examine deeper themes such as ancestral heritage, gratitude, duty, material well-being, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Learners will be encouraged to reflect on these traditional insights and understand their relevance to contemporary life.
This course will conclude with a study of Gangashtakam of Bhagavatpada Acharya Shankara, offering learners a devotional and contemplative engagement with the sacred glory of Devi Ganga
Target Audience:
What will you gain from this course? (Key Benefits / Learning Outcomes):
What are the materials/support you get?
What are the prerequisites to get the best out of this course? (Eligibility Criteria, Pre-read)
What assessments are included in the course?
Subjective Assessment – Long-form Essay (40% weightage)
Learners will be required to submit one long-form essay at the end of the course.
Quiz – 60% weightage
A quiz will be conducted at the end of the course.
What is the effort required to complete this course?
This is a 3-Credit Course, with a total expected student effort of 80–90 hours. Each credit in our system is equivalent to approximately 30 hours of learner effort, comprising all learning activities. This includes the time for attending live sessions, listening to recorded class material, solving exercises, and completing the assessments prescribed for the course.
Effort Breakup
The core text will be Sarga-s 35–44 of Balakandam of Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam (Gita Press Edition). It is not mandatory to have a copy of the text for the course.
Additional reference materials from the Purana-s will be used during the classes.
The course will cover Sarga-s 35–44 of Balakandam of Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam (Gita Press Edition), along with the associated deeper meanings or Sukshmartha-s discussed during the live classes.