Shloka 2.50.18

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

Devanagari script

देवसङ्घाप्लुतजलां निर्मलोत्पलशोभिताम्।क्वचिदाभोगपुलिनां क्वचिन्निर्मलवालुकाम्।।2.50.18।।

Transliteration

kvacit stimitagambhīrāṃ kvacid vega-jalākulām |

kvacid gambhīra-nirghoṣāṃ kvacid bhairava-nisvanām ||2.50.17||

Translation

In some stretches she ran deep and still; in others she was churned by swift currents—here resounding with a grave, majestic rumble, and there roaring with a fearsome sound.

Context

Here hosts of celestials take their ablutions and there she shines with lilies of pure blue. Here her banks are curved and there her bed is dotted with patches of white sand.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā

FAQs

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

Dharma as attentiveness to sacred reality: the text trains the mind to perceive the Gaṅgā as both beautiful and formidable, encouraging reverent, disciplined engagement with the world.

What is the narrative situation?

The epic describes the Gaṅgā’s varying currents and sounds as Rāma’s party approaches and travels along her banks.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and restraint (saṃyama): the implied need to move carefully and respectfully near powerful natural forces.