Jhanvi is one among the numerous names of Ganga River. Here
is the reason why Ganga is known as Jahnavi. King
Bhagirath performed intense tapas to bring Ganga down on
earth to wash away the sins of his forefathers.
Finally, Bhagirath succeeded in bringing Ganga down from
heaven to earth. Ganga followed the footsteps of Bhagirath. He led her down the
mountains into the plains.
The feisty Ganga continued to flow with a powerful current
and she flooded the hermitage of Sage Jahnu - present day Ajgaivinath Temple at
Sultanganj in Bhagalpur in Bihar.
The sacred fire was extinguished and all the items of the ashram
were destroyed.
Sage Jahnu became furious. He chanted a mantra and sipped
some water from Ganga.
This resulted in the disappearance of Ganga.
A worried King Bhagirath explained to the sage about the
need for Ganga to flow on earth.
Sage Jahnu was moved by the plight of King Bhagirath and he
allowed the river to flow from his left ear.
After this incident, Ganga was known as Jahnvi, the daughter
of Sage Jahnu.