Bhagiratha Born Story: Son Of Two Mothers
The Ramayana is a tale passed down through generations. It is rich with different voices and many versions. The beauty of these variations lies in their reflection of India’s deep literary tradition, where authors were free to create and imagine, telling the same story in unique ways.
One such version tells a story about a king, his lost sons, and the river Ganga. Let’s dive into this ancient tale.
Bhagiratha Quick Details
Here’s a table with quick details about Bhagiratha:
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Bhagiratha |
| Mother’s Name | 1. Keshini 2. Sumati |
| Father’s Name | King Dilip (Died Without an Heir) |
| Clan | Ikshvaku Dynasty (Solar Dynasty) |
| Purpose | To bring the Ganges River to Earth to redeem his ancestors |
| Guru | Sage Vasishtha |
| Key Event | Performed intense penance to bring Ganga to Earth, facilitating the salvation of his ancestors. |
| Other Details | Known for his determination and dedication to fulfill his ancestors’ salvation. |
The Curse: King Sagara’s 60,000 Sons
Long ago, King Sagara ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya. He was a powerful and just ruler, but tragedy struck when he lost his 60,000 sons. They had angered the great sage Kapila, and in his wrath, he turned them to ashes.
The king’s sons couldn’t rest in peace because they were not given the proper funeral rites, and this meant they could not ascend to heaven or find peace in the afterlife.
King Sagara was heartbroken, but his grandson, Anshuman, would not rest until he had found a way to help them. He traveled far and wide in search of a way to bring peace to their souls. His search led him to the hermitage of Kapila, the sage who had cursed his ancestors.
When Anshuman asked how he could release the souls, the sage replied with a difficult task: bring the river Ganga to Earth. But bringing Ganga down from the heavens was no easy feat.
The Impossible Task: Bringing Ganga Down
The task of bringing Ganga to Earth was so challenging that no one had succeeded. Kings and sages from Sagara’s family tried, but every effort was in vain. Despite penance, sacrifices, and prayers, Ganga refused to come down.
Things got even worse when Dilip, one of Sagara’s descendants, died without an heir. With no heir to the throne, the kingdom of Ayodhya was thrown into chaos. In the heavens, Brahma and Indra became worried about the future. They turned to Shiva, the god of destruction, for help.
Shiva decided to visit Ayodhya, where Dilip’s two widows, Keshini and Sumati, were mourning. He told them, “With my blessings, you will have a son.” The women were confused. “But how?” they asked. “How can we have a child without a man?”
Shiva smiled and gave them a divine boon. He told them that with his blessing, they would have the ability to conceive without a man. Keshini and Sumati, who were close friends, followed Shiva’s instructions and waited for the right time. When that moment came, they united and, in the tenth month, one of them gave birth to a son.
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The Birth of Bhagiratha: The Son Who Would Bring Ganga Down
The child born from the union of these two women was named Bhagiratha. His name came from the fact that he was born from two female organs, symbolizing the unity of the two women. Bhagiratha was a special child, and his birth was nothing short of a miracle.
As Bhagiratha grew up, he became determined to fulfill the prophecy. He would be the one to bring Ganga down to Earth, to release the trapped souls of his ancestors. Bhagiratha did not rest. He performed severe penance to please Ganga. For years, he meditated, prayed, and fasted, until at last, the goddess agreed to come down to Earth.
The river Ganga flowed from the heavens, and the souls of King Sagara’s 60,000 sons were finally freed, their ashes turned into peace. Bhagiratha’s perseverance had paid off, and he had done the impossible.
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The Legacy of Bhagiratha
The story of Bhagiratha’s determination and devotion to his ancestors is an important part of the Ramayana. It teaches us about the power of patience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the face of challenges. Bhagiratha’s story is not just about bringing a river to Earth; it’s about restoring balance, bringing peace, and honoring family traditions.
Source: The Ramayana culture: Text, Performance and Iconography,
FAQs
1. Who was Bhagiratha?
Bhagiratha was the grandson of King Sagara, born from the union of two women, Keshini and Sumati, who were blessed by Shiva. He is the hero who brought the river Ganga down to Earth to free the souls of his ancestors.
2. Why did Bhagiratha need to bring Ganga to Earth?
The 60,000 sons of King Sagara had been turned to ashes by the sage Kapila’s curse. Without proper funerary rites, their souls couldn’t rest. Bhagiratha’s mission was to bring Ganga to Earth to release them.
3. What was the task given by the sage Kapila?
Kapila told Anshuman, Bhagiratha’s grandfather, that the only way to free the souls of his ancestors was to bring the river Ganga from the heavens to Earth.
4. How did Ganga come down to Earth?
After Bhagiratha’s years of penance, Ganga agreed to come down. She flowed from the heavens and cleansed the ashes of King Sagara’s sons, releasing their souls.
5. What is the name of Bhagirath’s two mothers?
Bhagirath’s two mothers were named Keshini and Sumati. However, it is not clear who carried Bhagirath in the womb.
