Shloka 1.42.11

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

Devanagari script

भगीरथस्तु राजर्षिर्धार्मिको रघुनन्दन।अनपत्यो महातेजा: प्रजाकामस्स चाप्रज:।।1.42.11।।

Transliteration

bhagīrathas tu rājarṣir dhārmiko raghunandana |

anapatyo mahātejāḥ prajākāmas sa cāprajaḥ ||

Translation

O delight of the Raghus, Bhagiratha—the righteous royal sage, radiant with great splendor—had no son; though longing for offspring, he remained without progeny.

Context

O delight of the Raghus! righteous Bhagiratha who was highly lustrous rajarshi was without sons. He was desirous of progeny but did not beget children.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagiratha
• Rāma (Raghunandana)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsibility to lineage and society; Bhagiratha’s longing for progeny is not mere desire but tied to continuity of righteous rule and ancestral obligations.

What is the narrative situation?

Bhagiratha is introduced as righteous and powerful, yet childless, setting the stage for his later austerities and the Gaṅgā-descent mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness under lack: despite deprivation (no heir), Bhagiratha remains dhārmika and purposeful.