Bhagiratha

Bhagiratha is a legendary king in Hinduism, known for his devotion and efforts to bring the Ganges River down from the heavens to Earth.

Bhagiratha is a legendary king mentioned in Hindu epics, famous for his great devotion and tireless efforts to bring the sacred Ganges River down from the heavens to Earth. According to the legend, Bhagiratha's ancestors had been reduced to ashes by a curse, and only the water of the Ganges could purify them and allow them to attain salvation. To accomplish this, Bhagiratha undertook long penances and prayers, beseeching the goddess Ganga to descend to Earth. Eventually, the goddess Ganga agreed, but the force of her descent could have destroyed the world. Bhagiratha then prayed to the god Shiva to cushion the Ganges' fall in his hair. Shiva agreed, allowing the Ganges to flow gently to Earth. Bhagiratha's parents were King Dilipa and Queen Sudakshina. Bhagiratha is often depicted as a symbol of devotion and determination.