Ganga is the sacred river goddess. Vishwamitra tells Rama how she came down from heaven through Bhagiratha's penance, and in the exile Sita prays to her for a safe return as they cross at Shringaverapura.
Who was Ganga?
In the Bala Kanda Ganga is the elder daughter of Himavan. Bhagiratha's penance brings her to earth to free the souls of Sagara's sons, Shiva breaks her fall in his hair, and she follows Bhagiratha to the underworld.
When Rama, Sita and Lakshmana cross the Ganga in Guha's boat, Sita vows offerings to the river if they return safely, a promise she keeps when the Pushpaka carries them home.
In the Valmiki Ramayana
Ganga appears in 6 sargas across 2 Kandas.
First appearsBala Kanda · Sarga 35: The Story of Ganga Begins
1.35The Story of Ganga BeginsBala Kanda · Sarga 35 · गंगा की कथा का आरंभ1.37The Birth of KartikeyaBala Kanda · Sarga 37 · कार्तिकेय का जन्म1.42Bhagiratha's PenanceBala Kanda · Sarga 42 · भगीरथ की तपस्या1.43The Descent of GangaBala Kanda · Sarga 43 · गंगा का अवतरण1.44The Ancestors Are FreedBala Kanda · Sarga 44 · पूर्वजों की मुक्ति2.52Crossing the GangaAyodhya Kanda · Sarga 52 · गंगा पार करना
