In the Hindu legends of Uttarakhand you will find mention of the divine origin of Ganga. As the legend goes, sage Bhagiratha, by the power of his penance could succeed in making the river to come down off her heavenly abode in order to bless the ashes of his forefathers.
The story of Bhagiratha Prayatna has been mentioned in the Hindu legends of Uttarakhand like the :
The region included in the state of Uttarakhand is often referred to as the “Devbhoomi” since it is related to so many Hindu legends and the people believe that this place is the abode of God. The mention of the Devboomi has been there in the :
- Ramanyan
- Mahabharata
- Agnipurana
- Skanda Purana
- Matsya Purana
- Brahmanda Purana
- Vishnu Purana
- Divi Purana
- Bhagvad Purana
- Deoprayag : here the Alaknanda river joins the Bhagirathi, the other main source of Ganga.
- Gangotri : it is seen to follow mountainsides along the Bhagirathi Valley.
- Gaumukh : the true source of the Ganga. This is a giant ice cave having an altitude of 13,500 feet.
- Badrinath: a prime pilgrimage center of the Hindus
- Deoprayag : the sangam
- Rishikesh: the ultimate point in the Himalaya just before Ganga steps down to the plains.
- Haridwar : the point where Ganga touches the plains.
