Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 23
गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना
Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā
इयं हैमवती गङ्गा ज्येष्ठा हिमवतस्सुता।तां वै धारयितुं शक्तो हरस्तत्र नियुज्यताम्।।1.42.23।।
iyaṁ haimavatī gaṅgā jyeṣṭhā himavataḥ sutā | tāṁ vai dhārayituṁ śakto haras tatra niyujyatām ||1.42.23||
This Gaṅgā is Haimavatī, the eldest daughter of Himavat; only Hara (Śiva) is capable of bearing her—therefore let him be engaged for that task.
'O King! Ganga's descent cannot be sustained by earth. O Hero! I do not see any other person to hold her than the wielder of the trident (Siva)'.
FAQs
Dharma as right means: even a righteous goal must be achieved through proper, lawful capability—power must be mediated to prevent harm.
Brahmā explains that Gaṅgā’s descent requires Śiva to bear her force, directing Bhagīratha to seek Śiva’s support.
Practical wisdom—recognizing limits and seeking the correct support rather than forcing outcomes.