Girja Shankar Dixit
The descent of the River Ganga from the heavens to Earth is a legendary event deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. It was made possible by the unwavering penance of King Bhageeratha, whose devotion and determination led to this celestial river’s arrival to purify the ashes of his ancestors and grant them liberation.
King Bhageeratha, a descendant of the Ikshvaku dynasty, took upon himself the great responsibility of redeeming his forefathers, who had perished due to a curse and remained unliberated. To achieve this, he renounced his throne, entrusting his kingdom to his ministers, and embarked on an arduous journey of penance. He traveled to the sacred land of Gokarna, where he undertook severe austerities. With his arms raised in unwavering devotion, he subjected himself to the intense heat of Pancha Agni, the five sacred fires. He lived on meager sustenance, eating only once a month, and maintained absolute control over his senses. For a thousand years, Bhageeratha persisted in his ascetic practices, undeterred by the passage of time.
Moved by his steadfast devotion, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, appeared before him along with other celestial beings. Pleased with Bhageeratha’s sacrifice, Brahma granted him a boon. Without hesitation, the king requested the descent of the sacred River Ganga from the celestial realm to Earth, so her divine waters could wash over the ashes of his ancestors and free their souls. Additionally, he sought the blessing of an heir to continue his royal lineage. While Brahma agreed to his request, he cautioned that the immense force of Ganga’s descent would be too powerful for the Earth to bear. Only Lord Shiva, the great ascetic and cosmic deity, possessed the strength to contain her mighty fall.
Determined to fulfill his mission, Bhageeratha turned his devotion towards Lord Shiva. He resumed his tapas with even greater intensity, standing on the tip of his toe in deep meditation for an entire year. Finally, Lord Shiva, moved by his sincerity, appeared before him and agreed to receive Ganga upon his matted locks to soften her descent. When Ganga cascaded from the heavens, Shiva caught her in his hair, preventing her from devastating the Earth. He then gently released her into Bindu Sarovar in the Himalayas.
As Ganga flowed forth, sages, celestial beings, and those who had fallen from grace rejoiced. Bathing in her holy waters, they were absolved of sins and granted divine liberation. The river followed Bhageeratha’s chariot across the land, ultimately reaching the ocean and descending into Rasatala, the Netherworld. There, she purified the remains of his ancestors, granting them moksha (liberation).
Recognizing the sacredness of this event, Lord Brahma declared that Ganga would henceforth be known as Tri-Patha-Gamini, the divine river that sanctifies the three realms—Swarga (heaven), Martya (Earth), and Patala (Netherworld)—with her purifying waters.
