Shloka 1.35.22

गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga (Tripathagā Narrative)

Devanagari script

एते ते शैलराजस्य सुते लोकनमस्कृते।गङ्गा च सरितां श्रेष्ठा उमादेवी च राघव।।1.35.22।।

Transliteration

yā cānyā śailaduhitā kanyāsīd raghunandana |

ugraṃ sā vratam āsthāya tapas tepe tapodhanā || 1.35.20 ||

Translation

And Himavān’s other daughter, O delight of the Raghu line, was a maiden whose wealth was austerity; adopting a severe vow, she practiced intense tapas.

Context

O son of the Raghus! Ganga, the holiest of rivers and Uma devi are two daughters of the king of the mountains, (Himavan). They are worshipped by the entire world.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Raghunandana)
• Himavān
• Umā (implied as the other daughter)
• tapas
• vrata

FAQs

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

Dharma as self-purification: vows and austerity are shown as legitimate means to cultivate inner strength and worthiness.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra continues the genealogy: besides Gaṅgā, Himavān had another daughter who pursued severe ascetic practice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ascetic resolve (tapas), steadfastness in vows (vrata), and spiritual wealth over material wealth.