Bhagiratha: Who Brought the Ganga to Earth

The story

Three generations had failed to bring the Ganga down to free the sixty thousand sons of Sagara. Bhagiratha, who had no child of his own, entrusted the kingdom to his ministers and went to the Himalayas to do what his fathers could not.

He performed austerities for long years until Brahma appeared and granted his wish. But there was a danger: the force of the Ganga falling from heaven would shatter the earth. Only Shiva could bear it. So Bhagiratha began again, standing on one toe in prayer to Shiva, who agreed to receive the river on his head. The Ganga, proud of her power, thought to sweep Shiva away; he caught her in his matted locks and held her there until Bhagiratha prayed a third time for her release.

She then followed Bhagiratha's chariot across the plains. On the way her waters flooded the sacrificial ground of Sage Jahnu, who drank her up in anger and released her only when begged; for this she is called Jahnavi. At last she reached the place where the ashes lay, and the sons of Sagara were freed. Because he brought her, the Ganga is called Bhagirathi.

Why he matters

Vishwamitra tells this story to Ram on the bank of the Ganga itself, in the Bala Kanda. The river that half of north India depends on is, in tradition, the gift of Ram's ancestor.

What we learn

In Indian languages a "Bhagirath prayatna" is an effort that refuses to stop. Notice what the effort involved: he succeeded once, met a new obstacle, and started over, three times. He also worked for people long dead who could give him nothing. The largest things a person does are usually like this: unfinished work inherited from others, completed for the benefit of those who come after.

Next in the line: Dilipa. Related teaching: Courage and patience in adversity.