The Ganges River is sacred in Hinduism and considered a goddess. She is depicted in artwork as a beautiful woman with blue skin riding a makara, a mythical aquatic animal. Myths tell of how Ganga descended from the heavens at the behest of King Bhagiratha to help liberate his ancestors and flow onto the earth to purify and bless humanity.

1. Ganga The River Goddess - Tales in Art and Mythology