Shloka 1.37.17

कुमारसम्भवः—गङ्गायां तेजोनिक्षेपः (The Birth of Kumāra/Skanda and the Deposition of Śiva’s Energy through Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

श्रुत्वा त्वग्निवचो गङगा तं गर्भमतिभास्वरम्।उत्ससर्ज महातेज स्स्रोतोभ्यो हि तदानघ ।।1.37.17।।

Transliteration

śrutvā tv agnivaco gaṅgā taṃ garbham atibhāsvaram | utsasarja mahātejas srotobhyo hi tadānagha || 1.37.17 ||

Translation

O mighty and sinless Rāma, hearing Agni’s words, Gaṅgā released that exceedingly radiant embryo, letting it pass forth through her streams.

Context

"O glorious, sinless one, (Rama)! hearing the words of the Fire-god, Ganga then expelled that resplendent embryo from her streams.

Characters & Entities

• Agni
• Gaṅgā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma here is obedience to a rightful divine instruction: Gaṅgā acts in accordance with Agni’s word, aligning personal action with cosmic order (ṛta) rather than impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra narrates how Gaṅgā, upon hearing Agni, releases the radiant embryo into her river-streams, setting in motion the events leading to Kumāra/Skanda’s manifestation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gaṅgā’s purity and dutiful compliance—acting promptly and correctly upon authoritative counsel—are highlighted.