d) Gaṅgā Snāna
Vidhi Vijnāna(Modalities): While discussing the rules of celebrating Akshayatṛtīyā, we have stated that a dip in the holy Gaṅgā is most auspicious. According to Vagbhata, even the (regular) bath taken in clean water on any day, is (highly) beneficial.
दीपनं वृष्यमायुष्यं स्नानमूर्जाबलप्रदम् ।
कण्डूमलश्रमस्वेदतन्द्रातृड्दाहपाप्मजित्(वाग्भट 2:15)
A bath stimulates agni in the stomach, increases the virility in the body, promotes long life and gives enthusiasm and strength. It removes itching, dirt, exhaustion, sweat, lethargic sleep, thirst, burning sensation, and sins. During parvakālas, water (used for bathing) possesses special powers to induce puṇya. Water used by jnānis and blessed by their grace is termed as Tīrtha. (“ऋषिजुष्टजले गुरौ”-अमर) (यदध्यासितमर्हद्भिः तद्धि तीर्थं प्रचक्षते”-कुमारसम्भव सर्ग-6) Taking a holy bath in that water cures not only bodily ailments but also mental illnesses.
Taking bath in clean water removes bodily dirt, sloth and fatigue and this is commonly experienced by all. But ordinary knowledge does not help in understanding how it can remove sins and bestow puṇya. Unless this is understood scientifically, the importance of having Gaṅgāsnāna on akshyatṛtīyā as prescribed by the śāstras cannot be known. Therefore we are taking this up for discussion. As a backdrop to this, we would like to give the commentary (as commanded) by Śrī Raṅgamahāguru pertaining to this.