Ganga Maa

Story & significance

Bhagiratha's penance brought Ganga down from heaven to liberate his ancestors. Shiva caught her in his locks to soften her fall. A dip in her waters is believed to wash away sins.

Vahana (mount)

Makara (crocodile)

Consort

Shantanu

Sacred temples

• Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
• Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
• Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Festivals