A long time ago, there was a wise and kind king named Bhagirath. His ancestors had been cursed, and their spirits were trapped on Earth. The only way to free them was to bring the holy river Ganga down from the heavens.

King Bhagirath prayed for many years to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Pleased with his devotion, Brahma said, "I will grant your wish. Ganga will come to Earth, but she is powerful like a storm! If she falls freely, she will destroy everything. Only Lord Shiva can control her mighty force."

Bhagirath then set off to the Himalayas to pray to Lord Shiva.

King Bhagirath stood on one leg and meditated for many years, calling upon Lord Shiva. Finally, Shiva appeared before him and said, "I will help you. I will catch Ganga in my hair so that her fall does not harm the Earth."

Ganga rushed down towards Earth with full force. She leaped from the heavens like a roaring waterfall.

But Shiva stood tall and strong. As Ganga crashed down, he caught her water in his thick, matted hair. This slowed down the flow and the water got released from his hair in small streams. In this way, the Ganga river could reach Earth without destroying the land

Ganga flowed peacefully down the mountains. King Bhagirath led her across fields, forests, and villages until she finally reached the place where his ancestors were trapped.

As soon as Ganga’s pure waters touched the ground, the spirits of Bhagirath’s ancestors were freed, rising to the heavens in joy. The people rejoiced, and Ganga became the holiest river on Earth, bringing life wherever she flowed.

Even today, the river Ganga is worshipped as a gift from Shiva, reminding us of his kindness and Bhagirath’s patience. And so, the great river continues its journey, blessing all who come to its waters.