Gangavataran refers to Ganga's descent to the earth from heaven. According to a mythological tale, sage Bhagiratha performed arduous penances to bring Ganga on earth for the salvation of his ancestors, the 60,000 sons of king Sagar. Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his hair when she came to the earth in three installments to prevent the earth from getting crushed by her mighty fall. After a part of Ganga was allowed to fall on the earth by Shiva, Bhagiratha blowed his conch shell (that Lord Vishnu had given) and led Ganga to the seas. Ganga was later taken to patal (the subterranean area) where the ashes of Sagar's 60,000 sons were lying. In this way, 60,000 sons of king Sagar were freed from the curse. |
