Shloka 2.50.15

गङ्गादर्शनम् तथा गुहसमागमः (Vision of the Gaṅgā and Meeting with Guha)

Devanagari script

देवाऽऽक्रीडशताकीर्णां देवोद्यानशतायुताम्।देवार्थमाकाशगमां विख्यातां देवपद्मिनीम्।।2.50.15।।

Transliteration

āśramair avidūra-sthaiḥ śrīmadbhis samalaṅkṛtām |

kāle ’psarobhir hṛṣṭābhis sevitām ambho-hradāṁ śivām || 2.50.13 ||

Translation

Auspicious Gaṅgā—adorned by splendid hermitages set not far from her banks—was at times visited by joyful apsarases, who sported in her clear water-lakes.

Context

Since this river flows through heavens for the gods, it is well-known as 'Devapadmini' where celestial lotuses grow. The river embraces hundreds of hills serving as sporting places and pleasure-gardens for gods.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Āśramas (hermitages)
• Apsarases

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse links sacred nature with dharma: hermitages (tapas and restraint) harmonize with the river’s purity, making the landscape itself a support for righteous living.

What is the narrative situation?

During the journey, the Gaṅgā is described as a sanctified riverbank region, close to hermitages and visited even by celestial beings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, reverence for sacred places and the ascetic ideal—values that shape Rāma’s dhārmic journey.