Why Ganges Is Sacred Shiva Keeps Her On His Head
He was advised that he could not perform this as his ancestors, sons of Sagara were cursed by Sage Kapila(Founder of Nyaya System of Indian Philosophy considered an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and were turned into ashes.
They could be absolved of their sins and their State if Bhagiratha could somehow get the River Ganges down to Earth from the Heavens.
Ganges is believed to be at the feet of Lord Vishnu and the auspicious time if dribbles out of Vishnu's feet is called Vishnupathi, equivalent to Pradosha of Lord Siva(read my post on Vishnupathi Punya Kaala).
On the advice of his Preceptors, Bhagiratha, started a Penance for Lord Siva.
His Penance was so powerful that Indra, fearing for his Kingdom disturbed it quite a few times,
For more on this please refer Vishnu Purana
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