Long, long ago, there lived a noble and determined king named Bhagirath, from the Suryavanshi (Solar) dynasty. He was not only a great ruler but also a deeply spiritual man.

But his family carried a painful curse — his ancestors had been reduced to ashes due to a terrible mistake. Their souls were trapped between worlds, unable to find peace or move on. This troubled King Bhagirath deeply, as in our tradition, liberating our ancestors (pitrs) is considered a sacred duty.

To help them attain moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and death), he learned that only the touch of the sacred Ganga, the river that flows in the heavens (Swarglok), could purify their souls.

🔥 Bhagirath’s Penance

Bhagirath didn’t give up. He left behind his palace, wealth, and comforts and went to the Himalayas, where he began performing intense tapasya (penance). For thousands of years, he stood in the sun, rain, and snow — meditating, fasting, and praying with pure devotion.

His goal was clear: to bring Ganga down to Earth, no matter how difficult it was.

Moved by his unshakable devotion, Ganga Devi finally appeared before him.

🌊 Ganga’s Warning

Ganga Devi said,

“O King, I am ready to descend. But I flow with tremendous speed and force.
When I fall from the heavens, no power on Earth can handle my impact. I will destroy the land, the trees, and all living beings in my path.”

This was a huge problem. Ganga could purify his ancestors — but her fall could also destroy the very Earth she was coming to bless.

Bhagirath was heartbroken. He had come so far, but the mission now seemed impossible.

That’s when he turned to the great protector — Lord Shiva.