The Descent of Ganga

The River Ganga's Descent

King Bhagiratha's ancestors were turned to ashes by a sage's curse. To liberate their souls, he needed to bring the sacred river Ganga from the heavens to Earth. Bhagiratha performed intense penance to please Goddess Ganga and Lord Shiva. Ganga, initially reluctant, finally agreed to descend, but her force was so great that it would shatter the Earth. Lord Shiva then intervened, catching Ganga in his matted hair and releasing her gently onto the Earth. Thus, Ganga flowed onto Earth, purifying the ashes of Bhagiratha's ancestors and liberating their souls. This story illustrates the power of devotion and the grace of the deities.