Shloka 38

Matsya Purana — Kailasa

Devanagari script

नदीं भगीरथस्यार्थे तपसोग्रेण तोषितः ततो विसर्जयामास सप्त स्रोतांसि गङ्गया //

Transliteration

nadīṃ bhagīrathasyārthe tapasogreṇa toṣitaḥ tato visarjayāmāsa sapta srotāṃsi gaṅgayā //

Translation

Pleased by Bhagiratha’s fierce austerities undertaken for that purpose, he then released the river Gaṅgā, letting her flow forth in seven streams.

Word by Word

• नदीम्: the river (Ganga)

• भगीरथस्य: of Bhagiratha

• अर्थे: for the purpose (aim)

• तपसा: by austerity

• उग्रेण: intense, fierce

• तोषितः: satisfied, pleased

• ततः: then

• विसर्जयामास: released, let loose, sent forth

• सप्त: seven

• स्रोतांसि: streams, channels

• गङ्गया: by/with the Ganga (as Ganga’s flow)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu in the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhagiratha
• Ganga

Tags

• Ganga-Avatarana
• Tapas
• Puranic-Legend
• Sacred-Rivers
• Bhagiratha

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about Pralaya; it highlights tapas (austerity) as a cosmic-force that can move divine powers—here, enabling the controlled release of the sacred river Ganga into the world.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

Bhagiratha exemplifies rājadhrama-like responsibility: undertaking personal hardship (tapas) for a public, ancestral, and dharmic goal—bringing sacred waters for purification and welfare—showing leadership through self-discipline and service.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the verse supports Ganga’s role in purification rites (snāna, tarpaṇa, śrāddha) and the sanctity of river confluences; indirectly, it underpins why ghāṭas, tīrthas, and water-related sacred layouts become central in temple-town planning.