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Shiva and Santanu
Mahabhisha was a powerful king of the Ikshvaku dynasty. He possessed many virtuous qualities, and after performing a thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas and a hundred Rajasuya Yagnas (to qualify as emperor), he had attained heaven after his death. Once he got an opportunity to visit the court of Brahma where all the Devas and Ganga were also present. While the celestials were worshipping Brahma, a wind blew and displaced Ganga's clothes revealing her body. Everybody present there bashfully bent their heads except Mahabhisha who kept gazing lustfully at her. Upon seeing this act, Brahma lost his temper and cursed him to be born as mortals. Ganga also enjoyed this act and was cursed to born as a human and come back only after breaking Mahabhisha's heart. Mahabhisha then requested Brahma granted Brahma that he, Mahabhisha, be born as the son of Kuru king Pratipa and his wish.

Lord Shiva pleased with his acts of austerity blessed him and incarnated as Shantanu. He saw Ganga on the banks of the river Ganges and asked her to marry him.