ભગીરથ, whose arms were mighty and whose radiance shone bright, stood before the Grandsire of all worlds with folded hands. With deep humility, he prayed: “If you are pleased with me, O Blessed One, and if my penance has borne fruit, then let all the sons of Sagara receive water through me. May the holy waters of Ganga moisten their ashes, so that those noble souls and their ancestors may attain the highest heaven. O Lord, I ask for this boon for the sake of my lineage, so that the race of Ikshvaku may not perish.” Hearing this heartfelt plea, the Grandsire spoke gentle and auspicious words to Bhagiratha: “Great is your desire, O mighty chariot-warrior, enhancer of the Ikshvaku line. So be it, welfare be upon you. But remember, O king, the eldest daughter of Himalaya, Ganga, must be sustained. Only Hara, Shiva, can bear her descent, for the earth cannot endure her mighty flow. I see none other than the trident-bearer fit for this task.” Having spoken thus to Bhagiratha and Ganga, the creator of the worlds departed to heaven, accompanied by all the gods and the hosts of Maruts. After the Grandsire’s departure, Bhagiratha pressed his thumb upon the earth and performed worship for a full year, seeking Shiva’s favor. When the year was complete, the revered Lord of all beings—Umāpati, Paśupati—appeared before Bhagiratha and spoke: “I am pleased with you, O best of men. I will grant your wish. I shall bear the daughter of the mountain-king upon my head.” Then, the eldest daughter of Himavat, honored by all worlds, assumed an immense form and rushed down with unbearable speed. From the sky, O Rama, Ganga descended and landed upon Shiva’s head. That powerful goddess, difficult to restrain, considered her course. As she surged, Shiva recognized her arrogance and became angry. The three-eyed Lord resolved to conceal her, and so Ganga fell upon the holy head of Rudra. Within the cavern of Shiva’s matted locks, resembling the Himalaya, Ganga struggled but could not reach the earth. She found no exit from the tangled hair and wandered there for many years. Eventually, Bhagiratha’s supreme austerity pleased her, and Shiva released Ganga toward the Bindusaras lake. As she was released, seven streams emerged: Hladini, Pāvani, and Nalinī flowed eastward; Suchakshu, Sita, and Sindhu went westward. The seventh stream followed Bhagiratha’s chariot. Bhagiratha, the royal sage, mounted his divine vehicle, and mighty Ganga proceeded ahead, descending from Shiva’s head to the earth. The water flowed with a fierce sound, accompanied by crowds of fish, turtles, and dolphins. As the river landed, the earth shone brilliantly. Divine sages, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Siddhas gathered to witness the descent. From the sky, Ganga came down to earth, and celestial palaces shaped like cities, horses, and noble elephants floated above. The gods moved about in boats, marveling at the wondrous descent of Ganga. Desiring to see this miracle, hosts of gods gathered, their ornaments shining brightly as they flew. The sky, filled with clouds, sparkled like a hundred suns, adorned with dolphins, serpents, and restless fish. Lightning flashed, and pale, surging waters spread in thousands of streams. Flocks of swans covered the sky like autumn clouds. Sometimes the river moved swiftly, sometimes crookedly, sometimes broadly. At some places it surged, at others it flowed gently, and water struck against water again and again, rising up and falling back to earth. The water that fell from Shankara’s head shone brilliantly, pure and cleansed of all impurity. Sages and Gandharvas dwelling on earth touched this sacred water, declaring it holy. Those who had fallen from the sky to earth by a curse performed ablutions, becoming free from impurity. Their sins washed away, they gained auspiciousness. Rising into the sky again, they attained their own worlds. The people rejoiced, delighted by the radiant waters of Ganga, which had finally descended to earth through the devotion and perseverance of Bhagiratha.