Bhagiratha undertook extremely severe austerities with the noble purpose of bringing Gangā to Earth so that the souls of Sagara's sixty thousand sons, who had perished through the power of Sage Kapila, could attain salvation. After 1,000 divine years of austerity, Gangā appeared before him. However, Gangā warned that the Earth could not withstand the tremendous force of her descent. She advised Bhagiratha to obtain Lord Shiva's help to receive her. Bhagiratha then undertook further penance to please Shiva, who agreed to hold Gangā.
Bhagiratha undertook extremely severe austerities with the noble purpose of bringing Gangā to Earth so that the souls of Sagara's sixty thousand sons, who had perished through the power of Sage Kapila, could attain salvation. After 1,000 divine years of austerity, Gangā appeared before him. However, Gangā warned that the Earth could not withstand the tremendous force of her descent. She advised Bhagiratha to obtain Lord Shiva's help to receive her. Bhagiratha then undertook further penance to please Shiva, who agreed to hold Gangā.