Shloka 1.35.1

गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga (Tripathagā Narrative)

Devanagari script

उपास्य रात्रिशेषं तु शोणाकूले महर्षिभि:।निशायां सुप्रभातायां विश्वामित्रोऽभ्यभाषत।।1.35.1।।

Transliteration

upāsya rātriśeṣaṃ tu śoṇākūle maharṣibhiḥ | niśāyāṃ suprabhātāyāṃ viśvāmitro 'bhyabhāṣata ||

Translation

Having spent the remainder of the night in reverent observance on the bank of the Śoṇā with the great seers, at the auspicious dawn Viśvāmitra spoke.

Context

Viswamitra lay on the bank of Sona with the ascetics, for the rest of the night. (Getting up) at daybreak he said:

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Śoṇā (Sona river)
• Maharṣis (sages)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as disciplined conduct: sages keep proper routine—resting, keeping vigil, and beginning speech or instruction at an auspicious time (dawn).

What is the narrative situation?

The party has halted by the Śoṇā river; as dawn arrives, Viśvāmitra prepares to speak, transitioning the story into the next teaching/narration.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s leadership and the sages’ austerity-driven orderliness (niyama) are highlighted.