Shloka 1.35.11

गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga (Tripathagā Narrative)

Devanagari script

अथ तत्र तदा रामो विश्वामित्रमथाब्रवीत्।।1.35.11।। भगवन् श्रोतुमिच्छामि गङ्गां त्रिपथगां नदीम्।त्रैलोक्यं कथमाक्रम्य गता नदनदीपतिम्।।1.35.12।।

Transliteration

atha tatra tadā rāmo viśvāmitram athābravīt | bhagavan śrotum icchāmi gaṅgāṃ tripathagāṃ nadīm | trailokyaṃ katham ākramya gatā nadanadīpatim ||

Translation

Then and there Rāma said to Viśvāmitra: “Venerable Bhagavān, I wish to hear of the river Gaṅgā, who flows along the three paths. How did she traverse the three worlds and then reach the lord of rivers, the sea?”

Context

Then Rama said to Viswamitra "O venerable one! I wish to know why Ganga flowing in three directions, occupy (purified) the three worlds before entering the sea, the lord of rivers?"

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Viśvāmitra
• Gaṅgā
• Trailokya (three worlds)
• Ocean/Sea (lord of rivers)

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as satya-jijñāsā—reverent pursuit of truth through proper questioning of a worthy teacher, rather than speculation or pride.

What is the narrative situation?

On reaching the region of the Jahnavī, Rāma asks Viśvāmitra to explain the Gaṅgā’s cosmic course—her passage through the three worlds and her final meeting with the ocean.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s humility and teachability (vinaya), shown by addressing the sage respectfully and seeking knowledge for understanding rather than display.