How Did Ganga Came To Earth? (EXPLAINED)

Last Updated on February 1, 2023

Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is a major river in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is revered as a sacred river by Hindus and is personified as a goddess known as Ganga Ma (Mother Ganga).

In Hindu mythology, the story of the Ganga’s descent to earth is an important tale that has been passed down through the ages.

The Legend of Ganga: How River Ganga Came To Earth According To Hinduism

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga was originally the celestial river that flowed through the heavens. It was said to have originated from the foot of Lord Vishnu and was a source of great purity and holiness.

However, Ganga was not always on earth. The story of how Ganga came to earth begins with the great sage, Bhagiratha.

*Note: Bhagiratha was the king of the Ikshvaku dynasty, and he was known for his devotion to Lord Shiva. Bhagiratha performed many austerities and penances in order to gain the favor of Lord Shiva and obtain his blessings.

The story of how Maa/River Ganges came to earth goes like this:

Once upon a time, in the celestial kingdom, there lived a beautiful young woman named Ganga. She was the daughter of the god Himalaya and the goddess Mena, and she was given the task of bringing water to the earth.

Ganga was a divine being with immense powers and was known for her ability to purify the souls of those who took a dip in her waters. She was also considered to be the goddess of purity and cleanliness.

One day, a great sage named Bhagiratha approached Ganga with a request. Bhagiratha was a devout Hindu and was determined to bring Ganga to earth in order to purify the souls of his ancestors. He spent many years performing penances and meditating in order to gain the favor of the gods.

Finally, the gods were moved by Bhagiratha’s devotion and granted him his wish. They sent Ganga down to earth, where she flowed through the kingdom of Bhagiratha.

As Ganga descended from heaven, she encountered the god Shiva, who was meditating in the Himalayas. Ganga asked Shiva for permission to flow through his kingdom, but Shiva refused. He knew that the power of Ganga’s waters would disrupt his meditation and asked her to flow around him instead.

Ganga agreed to Shiva’s request and flowed around him, eventually reaching the kingdom of Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha welcomed Ganga with open arms and offered her numerous sacrifices in honor of her arrival.

From that day on, Ganga became a sacred river in Hinduism and was revered as a divine being.

Hindus believed that taking a dip in Ganga’s waters could purify the soul and wash away one’s sins. Ganga was also considered to be a symbol of fertility and was believed to bring prosperity and abundance to those who honored her.

The Importance of Ganga

Ganga is an important figure in Hinduism and is considered to be a goddess of purification and renewal. Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges waters can cleanse the soul of sin and bring one closer to moksha, or spiritual liberation.

The story of the Ganga’s descent to earth is an important part of Hindu mythology and serves as a reminder of the power of devotion and the importance of purification. Ganga continues to be revered as a sacred river and a source of spiritual and physical nourishment for Hindus all over the world.

FAQs About The Origin Of Ganga