Bhagiratha was the renowned king forefather of Rama of Raghu dynasty. His forefathers known as sagaras were burnt down due to a curse. For the upliftment of those ancestors from the cursed state to get to the heavens, he wanted to bring the river Ganga to earth. The idea is that when Ganga waters touch the ash of sagaras, they would be uplifted from their sin. He did very severe austerities and got permission from Indra. He gave permission to bring the Ganga flowing from heaven to the earth, however, he told, that coming down to earth would be the decision of the Ganga. So Bhagiratha started his penance and prayed. She agreed to come down, but warned him that he should find a person who could withstand the force with which she will descend to earth! He agreed and found out that the refuge would be at Lord Shiva. He did the austerities pleasing Lord Shiva. Appreciating his devotion and efforts, Lord agreed to hold Her when she descends to earth. Ganga out of her pride and ignorance thought that the Lord won't be able to withstand the force! She came down with an intention to gush down the Lord with heavy force. Can the Lord, Who holds the entire world.
He created, be pushed down by a river? The Lord, who is the creator of the entire universe and who has taken the forms just out of the grace on creatures, arrested her flow in His matted hair! She tried her best to rush out of His matted hair but in vain. Not a drop of water could escape! Bhagiratha, worried about this (as he would not get Ganga to earth otherwise), prayed to the Lord to show mercy on her. The Gracious Lord allowed Ganga through a strand of His matted hair. She then flowed humbly, gracefully and giving prosperity on her way to Patala. Thus the ancestors of Bhagiratha were resurrected by the holy water of Ganga. Since the Lord held Her, He is also called Gangadhar.
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