An ascetic who has
accumulated immense power via extreme physical abstinence in Hindu mythology
(tapas).
While Jahnu is deep in concentration, the river Ganges
(believed by Hindus to be the physical embodiment of the goddess Ganga) picks
up and carries away his stuff.
The goddess Ganga has lately descended from heaven and is
being taken to the sea by the sage Bhagirath.
Jahnu is angry by the disrespect, and in order to punish
Ganga, he consumes all of the river's water.
The gods are exceedingly disturbed when they understand what
has transpired.
They are able to appease Jahnu, and the sage agrees to let
her go.
The issue then becomes how to contaminate the Ganges without
puking her up or voiding her as pee, both of which are undesirable options.
Finally, Jahnu solves the problem by releasing her via his
ear.
By virtue of being "born" from Jahnu, she continues on her journey to the sea and takes the name Jahnavi.
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