The Snaan mantra, often recited while bathing, is: “Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati, Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru.” This translates to invoking the presence of the holy waters from the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri into the water being used for bathing. It is a prayer for purification and sanctification of the water, and by extension, the bather.
गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।
नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरि जलेऽस्मिन् संनिधिं कुरु ॥
Gangge Ca Yamune Cai[a-E]va Godaavari Sarasvati |
Narmade Sindhu Kaaveri Jale-[A]smin Sannidhim Kuru ||
Translation
“O Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Indus, Kaveri rivers!” All of you enter this water of my bath.”
Types of Snaan.
- The bath which is said to be performed while contemplating God in Brahmamuhurta is called Brahma Snan.
- It is said that the bath which is taken in the Devnadis before sunrise or in remembrance of them is called Dev Snan.
- It is said that in the morning when the stars are visible in the sky, then the bath which is taken is called the Rishi Snan.
- It is believed that the normal bath which is done before sunrise is called Manav Snan.
- •According to astrologers, the bath which is done after 8–9 pm or after tea-snack after sunrise is called Danav Snan.