Vedic version is that Ganga is formed when Indra slays the water-holding demon Vritta.
Death of Vritta releases the waters that he had covetously kept for himself, thus is born Ganga.
Then, Bhaghiratha the descendent of a king who can only get mukti if his ashes are scattered in ganga prays a lot to Shiva.
Shiva agrees and holds the tremendous force of Ganga falling from heaven directly on his jata (matte hairs).
Note : Vishnu puran.. as always has its own version Because ganga has appeared many times at many places
https://freeglobaluniversity.blogspot.com/search/label/Reincarnation
Death of Vritta releases the waters that he had covetously kept for himself, thus is born Ganga.
Then, Bhaghiratha the descendent of a king who can only get mukti if his ashes are scattered in ganga prays a lot to Shiva.
Shiva agrees and holds the tremendous force of Ganga falling from heaven directly on his jata (matte hairs).
Note : Vishnu puran.. as always has its own version Because ganga has appeared many times at many places
https://freeglobaluniversity.blogspot.com/search/label/Reincarnation