Story of Shiva and Mother GangaImage Credit source: Unplash
Story of Shiva and Mother Ganga: Every year the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. In the year 2026, this festival is going to be celebrated tomorrow i.e. on 15th February. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati got married on the day of Mahashivratri. On this day, special worship and fast is observed for both of them. Rudrabhishek of Shivalinga is performed on this day. Lord Shiva becomes very happy by performing Rudrabhishek on Mahashivratri.
According to beliefs, Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri is considered special and very virtuous. Many stories related to Lord Shiva are told on the day of Mahashivratri. In such a situation, let us know the story of Lord Shiva and Mother Ganga when Mahadev broke the pride of Mother Ganga and she got entangled in Mahadev’s locks.
According to the story…
In Hindu religion, Ganga is considered not just a river but a mother. According to the story, Bhagiratha was the king of Ikshvaku dynasty. His ancestors (60,000 sons of Sagar) were cursed by Kapil Muni, due to which they were not able to get salvation. Ganga water was the only way for the peace of his soul. According to Bal Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, Bhagiratha performed rigorous penance for thousands of years to bring Mother Ganga to earth.
Pleased with the penance of Bhagiratha, Mother Ganga agreed to come to earth, but her speed was the biggest problem. Because if Mother Ganga had fallen directly from heaven to the earth with her speed, the earth would not have been able to bear her speed and would have fallen into the abyss. According to Shiv Purana, Mother Ganga was also proud of her speed. She felt that she would carry even Mahadev away with her speed. Seeing this crisis, Bhagiratha went to seek refuge in Lord Shiva.
Ganga remained entangled in Shiva’s locks
Lord Shiva knew that it was necessary to control the speed of Ganga. As soon as Ganga fell down from heaven with arrogance, Lord Shiva untied his huge locks. Ganga got completely entangled in his thick locks. She got trapped in the locks of Lord Shiva and could not find her way out. For many years she remained entangled in Shiva’s hair.
According to Shiv Purana, Mahadev had created this leela so that the ego of Ganga could be shattered. Also the earth can be saved from cataclysm. After this, when Bhagiratha prayed again, Lord Shiva opened a lock of his hair and a thin stream of Ganga fell on the earth, which we call ‘Bhagirathi’.
Also read: Rare Mahashivratri Yogas 2026: After 300 years, a combination of auspicious and Raj Yoga is being formed on Mahashivratri, know how to do sadhana from morning till night.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.
