According to a legend in the Ramayana, King Bhagirath once left his kingdom to meditate for the salvation of the souls of his ancestors. He observed a penance to Brahma for a thousand years, requesting Ganga to come down to earth from heaven. He wanted her to wash over his ancestor's ashes to release them from a curse and allow them to go to heaven. Brahma granted his wish but told him to pray to Shiva, who alone could sustain the weight of her descent. Accordingly, Ganga descended on Shiva's head, and after meandering through his thick matted locks, reached the earth. According to a modified version, what reached the earth was just trickles from his hair. This story is re-enacted by bathing the
linga. The love of water, the primary element of life, is also remembered in this ritualistic action.
Shiva is also described as the god who walked beneath the river Ganges. He saved humanity from terrible destruction when the River Ganges threatened to flood the earth.
Shiva allowed the waters of the river to flow over his head and through his hair thus dividing his hair into 7 sections, and forming the holy rivers.
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