Week 2 Storytelling: The History of the River Ganges

“I have never seen a river quite like the Ganges. It flows so violently. Why is that?” the boy said.

The man replied, “There are many different stories of the River Ganga. It is referenced in many different Indian works. Here are some of these stories.

“King Bali and Ganga”. First of all, you must know that Vishnu had ten different forms on Earth at different times and locations. Each incarnation of his life he helped get rid of the demon problems on Earth. One of the avatars came down in guises, of a dwarf Brahmin. His name was Vamana.

Bali was a rich asura king who had elephants, houses, and army and more! He was an avid devote of Vishnu. Since he devoted to him, it is said that his power grew exponentially. It got to the point that Indra, who was the King of the Gods, was scared of losing the Heavens from him.

Indra went to ask Vishnu for help. During a yagna, Bali, donated to the Brahmins, whatever they wanted. Vishnu, if you remember was in guise of a dwarf Brahmin, went up to Bali. Bali knew it was him beforehand because his guru, Shukracharya recognized Vishnu and told Bali. Bali bowed and asked “Vishnu” what he would like to have. 

The Brahmin, Vishnu, asked for three footsteps of land. Right away the king agreed and asked him to measure it out. And then something magical happened. The dwarf grew into a massive size — Trivikrama. With one footstep, he covered the Earth. With the second footstep he covered the skies. For the third footstep nothing was left. King Bali offered his head. With one foot on Bali’s head, Trivikrama pushed Bali into the patala loka (lower world of serpents and demons). While Trivikrama’s foot covered the skies, Brahma washed his foot (as it was a magnificent form of Lord Vishnu’s) and collected the water into his kamandala. This holy water became Ganga, Brahma’s daughter.

“This is one of the main stories of the river Ganges” the man said to the boy. There are many, many, many other stories out there, but I am sure you don’t want me to ramble on and on. Anyways, last but not least. You have to know that Ganga has always been referred to as a goddess. She was a godly form of four arms and 3 eyes to see the past, present, and future.” 

The Ganges River powered by Google sites

Authors Note:

I decided to base my first Storytelling post off of the history of the Ganges River. There are many different Stories of the Ganges like in the Ramayana. I Just wanted to tell some of the Origins of a few characters and also the Goddess Ganga.