Ganga Comes to Earth

King Sagara's sixty thousand sons had been reduced to ashes by the curse of Sage Kapila. Their souls could only find salvation if the holy waters of the Ganga flowed over their remains. But the Ganga flowed only in heaven. Generation after generation, kings tried to bring Ganga to earth but failed. Finally, King Bhagiratha performed intense penance. Lord Brahma was pleased and agreed to send Ganga down. But there was a problem — Ganga's force was so tremendous that if she fell directly, the earth would shatter. Bhagiratha prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Shiva agreed to catch Ganga in his matted locks. Ganga was proud and thought she would sweep even Shiva away. But she became entangled in Shiva's vast locks and her force was tamed. Shiva then gently released Ganga from his hair onto the earth in a calm stream. Bhagiratha led Ganga to the ashes of King Sagara's sons. The touch of Ganga's sacred waters freed all their souls. Because of Bhagiratha's tireless effort, the Ganga is also called Bhagirathi.