Shloka 1.35.12

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

codito rāmavākyena viśvāmitro mahāmuniḥ | vṛddhiṃ janma ca gaṅgāyā vaktum evopacakrame ||

Translation

Urged by Rāma’s words, the great sage Viśvāmitra began to recount the birth of the Gaṅgā, and thereafter her course and her widening flow.

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

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma
• Gaṅgā

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through right transmission of knowledge: a qualified teacher responds to a sincere student, preserving sacred history through truthful narration.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma’s inquiry, Viśvāmitra formally begins the Gaṅgā-upākhyāna (the episode explaining Gaṅgā’s origin and course).

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viśvāmitra’s readiness to teach and Rāma’s respectful prompting together highlight the ideal learning relationship.