Ganga's Backstory

Ganga placed the boy in her lap and turned toward Shantanu. "You have broken your promise, so I must leave you. However, I will reveal my identity to you before I leave. I am Ganga, the daughter of Sage Jahnu. I was born from Lord Shiva's matted hair. On this earth, I chose you as my husband and the father of my children. I will now tell you why I killed my own children.

"Eight Vasus stole Sage Vashishtha's cow, and as a result, the sage cursed them to be born as humans on Earth. The Vasus asked me to be their mother on Earth and ensure they did not suffer. I agreed and freed seven of them from mortal life. Now, I will not kill my eighth child; he is destined to live in this world. This extraordinary boy, who will be as powerful as a Vasu, is named 'Devavrata' and will also be known as 'Gangeya' because he is my son. He will stay with me until he masters all skills, and then I will return him to you."

Before Shantanu could say anything, Ganga and their son vanished. A dejected Shantanu returned to the palace. Without his wife, Ganga, he was no longer interested in anything. He no longer had the will to live. The years passed, and Shantanu slowly grew accustomed to solitude. One day, while pursuing a reindeer, he reached the Ganga riverbank. He saw a handsome, well-dressed boy building a dam with arrows in the soil. Shantanu wished to ask him something, but the boy disappeared. 

Shantanu wished he could meet the boy again. Suddenly, a woman emerged from the river with the same boy. Shantanu was shocked to see them. The woman was his wife, Ganga. In a sweet tone, Ganga said, "Oh, king! This is your son, whom I promised to return to you. He will stay with you from now on. This boy will be unmatched in the world. He has been educated by Vashishtha, Parashurama, and Brihaspati. Take care of him; he will become famous." After saying this, Ganga disappeared. Shantanu took the boy's hand and brought him to the palace. King Shantanu crowned his son, Devavrat, as prince and was immensely satisfied that he had a worthy successor.