Legends say River Ganga was brought down to earth through Shiva’s matted hair. During the descent, a part of Ganga got entangled in his hair. Goddess Parvati disliked the fact that Shiva was overly fond of Ganga. She tried cajoling Shiva to let the rest of Ganga descend to earth. But Shiva did not pay heed to her. Ganesha was aware of the fact that his mother disliked Shiva’s attachment to Ganga. At that time, a horrible drought hit earth that lasted for fourteen years. Sage Gautam’s hermitage was the only place safe from the drought. Several people took shelter in the hermitage to save themselves from the famine. They were all welcomed warmly by Gautam. Ganesha thought of a plan to send back Ganga to earth and help his mother. He realised that Ganga was needed on earth to end the drought.
Sage Gautam and Ganesha
