Shloka 1.35.20

गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga (Tripathagā Narrative)

Devanagari script

या चान्या शैलदुहिता कन्यासीद्रघुनन्दन।उग्रं सा व्रतमास्थाय तपस्तेपे तपोधना।।1.35.20।।

Transliteration

dadau dharmeṇa himavān tanayāṃ lokapāvanīm |

svacchandapathagāṃ gaṅgāṃ trailokyahitakāmyayā || 1.35.18 ||

Translation

Wishing the welfare of the three worlds, Himavān—acting in accordance with dharma—gave his daughter Gaṅgā, the purifier of the worlds, who flows along her own free course.

Context

O Delight of the Raghus! The other daughter of the mountain Himavan was a maiden whose wealth was tapas. She pursued a vow and observed severe austerities.

Characters & Entities

• Himavān
• Gaṅgā
• trailokya (three worlds)

FAQs

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

Dharma as lokahita: rightful action is measured by its benefit to the many; Himavān’s gift is framed as service to the three worlds.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra narrates how Himavān consented to give Gaṅgā to the gods for a cosmic purpose.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Himavān’s dharmic generosity and public-spiritedness (placing universal welfare above private attachment).