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The story of Ganga (II) - Viswamitra
 Leaving the world of Devas, Ganga started flowing downwards with unrestrained force. Her attitude, as though she could even sweep away Shiva to the nether world spoke of her haughtiness. Shiva on realising this attitude of hers, repressed her flow by storing her in his matted hair. Ganga was caught in Shiva's head and her attempts to release herself proved futile. Bhageerathan prayed to Shiva again and the Lord agreed to let her flow to Earth. Bhageerathan climbed on to his chariot and led the way and Ganga followed him. The water swelling up along the way made a thunderous roar and one could see a variety of fishes, tortoises, crocodiles and other creatures that live in water.
The Devas, Yakshas, Gandharvas and other Angels wanting to witness the scene of Ganga flowing left their abodes and
assembled in the Sky. Due to this, the Sky appeared bright as though it was lit up by a hundred Suns. The fishes and snakes jumping around in the water looked like stars and lightning. The foam on the broad expanse of the water
looked like swans. Ganga, though already one, became more Holy after touching Shiva's body.
 The Ganga which was running thus, flooded Janhu Maharishi's ashram and the Maharishi enraged on seeing her
haughtiness drank the whole river. The Devas and others saluted the Maharishi and placated him saying that the Ganga, from then on will be his daughter. So the maharishi let the Ganga out through his ears and that is how Ganga came to be known as
Jhanvi.
Following Bhageeratha, Ganga reached the sea, entered the nether world and wetted the ashes of the sixty thousand sons of Sakaran. Lord Bhrama appeared and lauded the efforts of Bhageeratha. He said that since Ganga travelled through the Sky, earth and the nether world, she will be called as 'Thripadhaka'. As she came to Earth due to Bhageerathan's efforts, she will be known as Bhageerathi, he added. He asked Bhageeratha to take a bath in the Ganges and offer 'Pindam' (ball of cooked rice) to the manes. Bhageerathan did so and his ancestors reached Heaven.
Thus it is our custom to use the term 'Bhageeratha Prayathanam' whenever a person makes great attempts or
efforts.
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