Shloka 1.42.10

गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना (Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

इन्द्रलोकं गतो राजा स्वार्जितेनैव कर्मणा।राज्ये भगीरथं पुत्रमभिषिच्य नरर्षभ:।।1.42.10।।

Transliteration

indralokaṃ gato rājā svārjitenaiva karmaṇā |

rājye bhagīrathaṃ putram abhiṣicya nararṣabhaḥ ||

Translation

That best of men, the king—having crowned his son Bhagiratha in the kingdom—departed to Indra’s world, won by his own meritorious deeds.

Context

The king (Dilipa) performed the coronation of his son Bhagiratha and reached the region of Indra as a reward for virtuous acts done by him.

Characters & Entities

• Indraloka
• King Dīlīpa (per gloss)
• Bhagiratha
• Indra

FAQs

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

Dharma links rulership with personal merit: the king responsibly installs a successor and attains higher realms through self-earned righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

The reigning king crowns Bhagiratha and then departs for Indra’s realm, indicating a completed life of duty and virtue.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Responsible kingship and accountability—both in ensuring succession and in earning spiritual reward through one’s own deeds.