16. Shri Shri Mansi Ganga
Mansi Ganga is a large masonry lake situated in the
center of Govardhan town. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna’s foster
parents, Nand and Jasoda wanted to take a holy dip in River Ganga but the
residents of Brij did not want them to go to such a faraway place. They were
all wishing that somehow Mother Ganga should come to their place. Lord Shri
Krishna got to know about their wish and he meditated and brought River Ganga
to Govardhan in the tank. Since he brought it through his mind (meditation), it
is called as Mansi Ganga Tank. Lord Krishna’s parents and all brijwasis took
holy dip in this tank and also saw Mother Ganga riding on her crocodile.
Another story goes thus that Lord Krishna after killing a demon called
Vatsasura who was sent by Kamsa to kill Lord Krishna in the form of a calf, he
was advised to take a holy dip in River Ganga to get purified. Lord Shri
Krishna, who did not want to go all the way to the Ganges, brought it in this
tank through his meditation. Thus, the lake got the name of Mansi Ganga and is
also considered to be more powerful than the holy Ganges itself. Hence, taking
a holy dip in the lake would relieve one of their sins and purify them. All
those who go for the Govardhan Parikramastart it at the Mansi Ganga Tank and
end it there as it was because of Lord Shri Krishna that the lake came into
existence. This tank has also been mentioned in the “Mathura Mahatmiya” where
it is said that taking a holy dip in this tank would give people Lord Shri
Krishna’s blessings and divine love. It is also believed that Lord Shri Krishna
and Radharani used to go for a boating in this lake. Mansi Ganga Tank in
Mathura is a humongous lake and people are allowed to bathe here. It is quite
surprising to find water in the tank even during the very hot summer season.
Its enclosures and steps were built in 1637 by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer and
adorned by Raja Man Singh. The water here is very hard and it is better for one
to take a holy dip (not bathing with soap or shampoo) either on the steps of
the lake or in the separate enclosures available for men and women. This way
one can also have a safe dip in the holy water as well as maintain the sanctity
of the lake. The Brajmandal Parikrama which also includes Govardhan Parikrama
would be incomplete unless you take a holy dip in the Mansi Ganga Tank in
Mathura. This tank is illuminated with lights during the festivals like
Janmashtami, Deepavali and Holi and offers a spectacular sight for viewing.
There is also a legend that says that the lake is shrinking along with the
Govardhan Hill.
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