The Stories of King Sagara and the Birth of Ganga

The Stories of King Sagara and the Birth of Ganga

From Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 9: Liberation — A Gentle Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs

Once Upon a Time…

Long ago, in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there lived a wise and brave king named Sagara. King Sagara wished for children who would make his family proud, so he prayed with great devotion. The Lord blessed him with sixty thousand sons from one queen, and one special son, Asamanjas, from his other queen.

The people loved their king, but the sixty thousand princes grew proud and wild, often making mischief throughout the land. Despite this, King Sagara’s heart was full of love and hope for his children.

The Ashwamedha Sacrifice and the Disappearance of the Horse

One day, King Sagara wanted to perform a great horse sacrifice, called Ashwamedha Yagna, to bring blessings to the kingdom. As part of this ritual, a special horse was set free to wander wherever it pleased, while the king’s sons followed it.

But something strange happened! The sacred horse disappeared. Sagara’s sons searched everywhere and finally found the horse near the hermitage of Sage Kapila, who was deep in meditation. Mistakenly, the princes believed the sage had stolen the horse, so they disturbed his penance.

Sage Kapila, angered at being disturbed and falsely blamed, opened his eyes and, by the power of his yogic energy, reduced all sixty thousand princes to ashes.

The Quest to Save the Ancestors

King Sagara was heartbroken. The souls of his sons could not find peace, because their last rites had not been performed. Many generations passed, and the task of saving the princes fell to Sagara’s great-great-grandson, Bhagiratha.

Bhagiratha was gentle, wise, and full of devotion. He prayed to Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, asking for help to bring the heavenly river Ganga down to earth. Only the holy water of Ganga could wash away the ashes and free the souls of Sagara’s sons.

Bhagiratha’s Great Penance and the Descent of Ganga

Bhagiratha performed severe penance, standing on one foot for many years. Pleased with his devotion, Ganga agreed to come to earth, but her forceful waters would destroy everything in their path. So, Bhagiratha prayed to Lord Shiva for help.

Lord Shiva, full of compassion, caught the rushing river in his matted hair and gently let it flow down to earth. The beautiful Ganga came down in sparkling streams, following Bhagiratha as he led her to the spot where his ancestors’ ashes lay.

As Ganga’s pure waters touched the ashes, the souls of Sagara’s sons were set free and reached heaven, blessed by Bhagiratha’s love and perseverance.

The Blessings of Ganga

Ganga, now known as Mother Ganga, became the holiest river on earth. She is worshipped by millions, who come to her banks to bathe and pray. It is said that her waters can wash away sins and bring peace to all souls.

King Sagara’s story reminds us that devotion, patience, and selfless love can bring blessings not just to our own lives but to many generations.

Moral of the Story

Dear children, the stories of King Sagara and the birth of Ganga teach us about devotion, determination, and caring for others. When we pray with faith, show patience, and help those in need, the Lord blesses us in wonderful ways. Mother Ganga reminds us that the greatest gift is love and purity of heart.

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Discover how King Sagara’s family was blessed by Mother Ganga’s arrival—an inspiring Hindu bedtime story of devotion and hope for kids.

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