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Lord Shiva agrees to help Bhagiratha. Ganga, who is oblivious of Shiva’s power, descended with tremendous force thinking she would wash him away. But Shiva, the lord of the lords that he is, held her tightly in his matted hair. Since Shiva held Ganga, he is known as Gangadhar.
Is Ganga Shiva’s daughter?
No. Goddess Ganga is the sister-in-law of Lord Shiva, she wanted to be Lord Shiva’s wife but Lord Shiva wanted to marry only Goddess Durga (Parvati).
Who is the father of Devi Ganga?
Himavan
Ganga (goddess)
| Ganga | |
|---|---|
| Parents | Himavan (father) Maināvati (mother) (parents in some texts) |
| Siblings | Parvati (younger sister in some texts) |
| Consort | Shantanu (according to the Mahabharata) or Shiva (according to some traditions) |
| Children | Bhishma |
Why is Ganga considered sacred?
The Ganges River is most sacred in the Hindu tradition. It is understood as the personification of the Goddess Ganga. Hindu belief holds that bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the forgiveness of transgressions and helps attain salvation.
Did Ganga wanted to marry Shiva?
According to our ancient history, it is believed that Ganga, sister of Goddess Parvathi proposed to marry Shiva, but Shiva declined her offer saying that, He can’t have any other woman than Parvathi in his life.
Is Ganga is the wife of Shiva?
No, Goddess Ganga is not Shiva’s wife. Shiva has only one wife and she is Goddess Shakthi. Goddess Shakthi in her first birth was born as Sati and Immolated herself, due to her father’s attitude towards her husband Shiva, and not realizing her true Shakthi form.
Why was Ganga cursed?
Everybody present there bent their heads except Mahabhisha who kept gazing at her. Upon seeing this act, Brahma lost his temper and cursed him to be born a mortal. Ganga who also relished the mortal act was cursed to be born as human and come back only after breaking Mahabhisha’s heart.
Is Ganga wife of Lord Shiva?
Why is Ganga holy?
The river water of Ganga- Gangajaal is equated to nectar in Indian traditions due to its purity and sanctity. The ashes of the deceased are also let into this river for it is considered to be a gateway for a peaceful departure to heaven.
What is the story of Ganga?
In Hindu mythology the Ganges river was created when Vishnu, in his incarnation as the dwarf brahmin, took two steps to cross the universe. Safely arrived on earth, Bhagiratha guided Ganga across India, where she split into many subsidiaries, and successfully washed the ashes of Sagara’s ancestors in her sacred waters.
Is Ganga the wife of Lord Shiva?
How did Ganga become an attribute of Lord Shiva?
The meandering through Shiva’s lock softened Ganga’s journey to the earth and the holy waters of river Ganga thus washed away the ashes of Bhagirath’s ancestors. A modified version of the legend says, what reached the earth were just sprinkles from Lord Shiva’s hair. The Ganga, thus, became an attribute of Shiva.
Why do we celebrate Shivaratri with Ganga?
This manifestation of Shiva is known as Gangadhara. The legend is re-enacted by devotees of Lord Shiva as they give a bath to the linga during worship. And for this reason, many devotees prefer to take a dip in the holy water of river Ganga on a Shivaratri day.
How did Ganga wash away Bhagirath’s ashes?
The meandering through Shiva’s lock softened Ganga’s journey to the earth and the holy waters of river Ganga thus washed away the ashes of Bhagirath’s ancestors. A modified version of the legend says, what reached the earth were just sprinkles from Lord Shiva’s hair.
What is the story of Ganga in Hinduism?
The Legend of Ganga. The legend of Ganga’s descent from the heavens into the earth has been narrated in the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana. The legend explains the popular custom of giving bath to Shiv Linga on Shivaratri festival.