Rivers, what comes into your mind when you hear the word ‘river’? a flowing channel of
water in a long tunnel connected to the sea? Most probably yeah but little did you know
about the Indian mythologies about the rivers as goddesses.
Ganga, the river that signifies purity in Hinduism, people perform all kinds of rituals here from the beginning of someone’s life to the end of that. But unknown to so many people is her story, the story of the Ganga River, also known as the Ganges, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is a central narrative in the religion's sacred texts.
The Ganga's story is primarily associated with its descent from heaven to Earth and its
significance as a purifying and life-giving river. The story begins with a great king named
Bhagirath, who ruled a kingdom known as Sagar. King Bhagirath's ancestors had been
reduced to ashes due to a curse, and their souls could not find peace. Bhagirath was
determined to bring the divine Ganga down to Earth to cleanse the ashes and grant
salvation to his ancestors. To accomplish this task, King Bhagirath undertook intense
penance and meditation for thousands of years. His penance was so rigorous that he stood on one leg and lived on air alone for many years. His devotion and determination impressed
Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Lord Brahma appeared before Bhagirath and
agreed to grant his request. However, he cautioned Bhagirath that the force of the Ganga's descent from heaven would be too powerful for the Earth to withstand. To address this concern, Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, agreed to break the force of Ganga's fall. When Ganga began her descent from heaven, she fell onto Lord Shiva's matted hair, which absorbed the impact and gently released the river onto the Earth. This act of Lord Shiva is often depicted in art and iconography, with Ganga flowing from his hair. Ganga flowed down to Earth and followed King Bhagirath to the region where his ancestors' ashes lay. There, she washed over the ashes, purifying them and granting salvation to the souls. The river then continued to flow across the Indian subcontinent, becoming one of the most sacred and revered rivers in the country.
The story of the Ganga River is not only a narrative of divine descent but also a reflection of the river's profound importance in Hindu culture and spirituality. It is a symbol of purity,
divinity, and the eternal flow of life.
- Sanjana Das, Editorial Board, RLS 2024-25
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