Bhagirath, riding on a celestial chariot, descended from the heavens, leading the sacred river Ganga. The gods, showering flowers upon him, blessed his divine mission. As Bhagirath approached the majestic Sumeru Mountain, a formidable range adorned with numerous peaks and intricate tunnels at its base, Ganga followed closely behind.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, Ganga began to flow
through its labyrinthine tunnels. However, she soon found herself lost within
an underground cave, unable to find an exit. Noticing Ganga's absence,
Bhagirath retraced his steps and fervently prayed to her, imploring her to
continue her journey to provide salvation to his ancestors.
Ganga, echoing from the depths of the mountain, explained
her predicament. She urged Bhagirath to seek the help of Airavat, the mighty
elephant of Indra, to break through the mountain and create a passage for her.
Determined, Bhagirath began to pray to Indra, beseeching him to send Airavat to
their aid.
Moved by Bhagirath's devotion, Indra arrived at Sumeru,
riding upon the majestic Airavat. However, Airavat, proud and arrogant, set a
condition. He demanded that Ganga spend a night with him in exchange for his
help. Bhagirath, appalled and hesitant, conveyed the message to Ganga with a
heavy heart.
Sensing Bhagirath's distress, Ganga reassured him and
instructed him to relay her response. She told Bhagirath to inform Airavat that
if he could withstand just two and a half waves of her mighty flow, she would
willingly spend seven nights with him.
Upon hearing Ganga's message, Airavat arrogantly agreed.
Using his powerful tusks, he tore open the mountain's peak, creating a pathway
for Ganga. As Ganga surged forward, the force of her first wave nearly
overwhelmed Airavat. The second wave left him battered and bruised, and by the
time the third wave was halfway through, Airavat, on the brink of collapse,
realized his folly.
In a humbled voice, Airavat addressed Ganga as
"Mother" and begged for forgiveness. Ganga, in her boundless
compassion, forgave the chastened elephant. With the path cleared, she
continued her journey, and Bhagirath led her to fulfill her divine purpose,
bringing salvation to his ancestors and restoring the sacredness of the land.