Shloka 1.43.4
गङ्गावतरणम् (The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment)
ततो हैमवती ज्येष्ठा सर्वलोकनमस्कृता।तदा सातिमहद्रूपं कृत्वा वेगं च दुस्सहम्।।।।आकाशादपतद्राम शिवे शिवशिरस्युत।
tato haimavatī jyeṣṭhā sarva-loka-namaskṛtā |
tadā sā ati-mahad-rūpaṃ kṛtvā vegaṃ ca duḥsaham |
ākāśād apatat rāma śive śiva-śirasy uta ||
Then Gaṅgā—the eldest daughter of Himavat, revered by all the worlds—assumed an immensely vast form and an irresistible speed, and, O Rāma, fell from the sky onto the auspicious head of Śiva.
Then Ganga, the eldest daughter of Himavat who is adored by all the worlds, assuming the form of a mighty river descended from the sky with unbearable speed on the auspicious head of Siva.
Dharma as cosmic restraint: immense power must be borne and regulated by a higher stabilizing principle—Śiva receives Gaṅgā so her force does not harm the worlds.
Gaṅgā descends from heaven in a tremendous form and momentum, landing upon Śiva’s head as part of the divine arrangement enabling her safe flow to earth.
Śiva’s protective containment and responsibility—strength used to safeguard the world’s order.