Sagara had no clue as to how to get Ganga to come down to the Earth. Though he continued to rule wisely and well, he passed away with the pain that his son's souls were still languishing for salvation. Anshuman was then crowned king with the full consent of the ministers and the subjects. Anshuman was aware of the unfinished task his grandfather had left for him. However he was also aware of his responsibility to his people. He waited till his son Dileep was old enough to take charge of the affairs of the state. He then enthroned Dileep and set out to the Himalayan Mountains hoping to find a way of bringing Ganga to the ashes of his father and uncles. Though he practiced very severe asceticism he could not succeed in pleasing the Gods. After his death he was given a permanent place in heaven, but the family problem remained unsolved.
It was now Dileep's turn to find a solution. He performed many rituals and sacrifices but to no avail. His failure began to torment him and he became ill and soon passed away. Dileep's son Bhagirath ascended the throne. Bhagirath realised that the task of bringing Ganga to the Earth would require his undivided attention from day one. He did not worry about the fact that he was as yet childless. He entrusted the kingdom to his ministers and went to Mount Gokarna in the Himalayas, where he began his penance. It is said that he stood on one foot with his arms upraised between five fires for thousands of years, surviving only on air. Traditionally the five fires are four earthly fires lit in the four directions and the sun's fire overhead. Ultimately Brahma appeared before Bhagirath and said that he was pleased with Bhagirath's steadfast devotion. He offered to give Bhagirath a boon.
Bhagirath was waiting for this moment. He asked for the River Ganga to descend to Earth and flow over the ashes of his ancestors so that they may find an eternal place in heaven. Brahma replied, "I can and will order Ganga to come down to Earth. But there is one problem. The Earth will not be able to bear the force of Ganga's descent from heaven and will shatter into pieces. Only Shiva can bear that force and therefore Ganga has to fall on his head before she touches the Earth. I do not know if Shiva will accept this responsibility. You must please him and request him to break the descent of Ganga.
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