Why is Shiva called Gangadhar?
Shiva's name "Gangadhar" signifies the ritual where he adorns his hair with the Ganges, representing the flow of knowledge at its pinnacle. Lord Shiva's adornment: Sacred River Ganga In Hindu mythology, the divine connection between Lord Shiva and the sacred river Ganga holds profound significance. The ancient scriptures narrate a captivating tale of how the Ganga became an integral part of Shiva's adornment. Story of Gangadhar Once, King Bhagirath embarked on a rigorous penance to bring the sacred river Ganga from heaven to Earth. Pleased with his devotion, Mother Ganga agreed to descend. However, her divine flow was so fierce that the Earth trembled under its might. To prevent a catastrophic flood, Lord Shiva, known for his benevolence, intervened. He caught the mighty Ganga in his matted hair, skillfully channelling her flow. With great compassion, he let a gentle stream of the sacred river cascade onto the Earth. Thus, Shiva's act of balancing the fo