In the Hindu faith, history, and culture, the Bhagirathi is considered the source stream of the Ganges.

However, in hydrology, the other headstream Alaknanda, is considered the source stream on account of its great length and discharge.

[3][2] Wanting to show his sovereignty, King Sagara performed a ritual known as ashvamedha, where a horse was left to wander for one year.

This infuriated sage Kapila and with his ascetic's gaze burned all sixty thousand sons to ashes.

Bhagiratha, Amshuman's grandson, undertook ascetic practices and won the favour of Brahma and Shiva.

[4] When Ganga descended, Bhagiratha took her through the mountains, foothills, the plains of India, and to the sea where she liberated the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara.

[7] The Bhagirathi River is joined by several tributaries; these are, in order from the source: The Bhilangna itself rises at the foot of the Khatling Glacier (elevation 3,717 m (12,195 ft)) approximately 50 km (31 mi) south of Gaumukh.