Shloka 15
गङ्गाधारणम् (Gaṅgādhāraṇa) — Śiva Bears the Descent of Gaṅgā
गड़ोवाच किमिच्छसि महाराज मत्त: कि च ददानि ते । तद् ब्रवीहि नरश्रेष्ठ करिष्यामि वचस्तव,गंगाजीने कहा--महाराज! तुम मुझसे क्या चाहते हो, मैं तुम्हें क्या दूँ? नरश्रेष्ठ! बताओ, मैं तुम्हारी याचना पूर्ण करूँगी
gaṅgovāca kim icchasi mahārāja mattaḥ kiṃ ca dadāni te | tad bravīhi naraśreṣṭha kariṣyāmi vacas tava ||
Gaṅgā said: “O great king, what do you desire from me, and what shall I grant you? Speak it plainly, best of men; I will fulfill your request.”
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of responsiveness and generosity: a powerful benefactor (here, Gaṅgā) invites a righteous king to state his need openly and promises to honor it, reflecting the dharmic duty to grant aid when properly asked.
Gaṅgā addresses the king directly, asking what he seeks from her and what gift he wants. She urges him to speak his request and assures him she will carry out his words, setting up the granting of a boon or assistance.