The River Ganges or Gaṅgā - XI

One of the legends states that the water in the kamandalu or water vessel of Brahmā automatically transformed itself into the goddess Gaṅgā. Since she came from Brahmā's water vessel, Gaṅgā is also revered as one of the many Śaktīs of the goddess Mahāmāyā Ādiśaktī.

Gaṅgā as the daughter of Himāvan

King Himāvan and his queen Mena, had two daughters, Umā and Gaṅgā. Indra had asked Himāvan to give Gaṅgā to the heavens so that the Gods could soothe themselves with its cool waters, and thus Gaṅgā went to the heavens, and was brought up as a daughter under the love and care of Brahmā. Umā also known as Parvatī was wedded to Lord Śiva.

Gaṅgā as the daughter of Sage Jhānu

The royal sage Bhagīratha while taking Gaṅgā to the nether world, came near the hermitage of Riśī Jhānu, and Gaṅgā drowned the hermitage. The sage in his anger, drank up the entire Gaṅgā. After much pleading by Bhagīratha, the sage Jhānu released Gaṅgā from his ear (some texts mention from his thigh) and since then Gaṅgā is also known as Jhānavī - the daughter of Jhānu.