Banganga River

About Ban Ganga River in Katra, Jammu

An important religious site for the Hindu devotees, Ban Ganga is a sacred river where devotees in Katra like to take a dip before continuing the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Originating from the southern slope of the Shivalik Range of Himalayas, Ban Ganga River has two ghats where a large number of Hindu devotees take a holy dip.

The river is an important tributary of the Chenab River and got its name from two words, Ban meaning Arrow and Ganga which stands for sacred river of India, Ganges. Thus, the river is also called the twin of Ganges.

Mythology

According to the legend, when Mata Vaishno Devi/Vaishnavi accompanied by Langoor-Veer/Monkey was heading to her abode in Trikuta Hills, he felt thirsty. Then the goddess shot an arrow in the ground, and a spring sprang up, which is today recognized as Ban Ganga.

It is believed that the goddess washed her hair in the water of the river, and thus, it is also known as Bal Ganga, where Bal means hair.

Best Time to Visit

The months between March and October are considered to be the best to visit Ban Ganga River. However, due to little rain in the monsoon season, the river does not have enough water in it. In the winter months too, the water from river decrease or almost dries up.