Shloka 1.42.12

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

Devanagari script

मन्त्रिष्वाधाय तद्राज्यं गङ्गावतरणे रत:।स तपो दीर्घमातिष्ठद्गोकर्णे रघुनन्दन।।1.42.12।।ऊर्ध्वबाहु: पञ्चतपा मासाहारो जितेन्द्रिय:।

Transliteration

mantriṣv ādhāya tad rājyaṃ gaṅgāvataraṇe rataḥ |

sa tapo dīrgham ātiṣṭhad gokarṇe raghunandana ||

ūrdhvabāhuḥ pañcatapā māsāhāro jitendriyaḥ |

Translation

O Raghunandana, intent on bringing Gaṅgā down to earth, he entrusted the kingdom to his ministers and for long years practiced austerities at Gokarṇa—arms raised, enduring the five fires, eating only once a month, and mastering his senses.

Context

O son of the Raghus (Rama), Bhagiratha, with a determination to bring down Gangaentrusted the kingdom to his ministers and went to a sacred place known as Gokarna. There with arms uplifted surrounded by four fires, partaking food once a month, with his senses controlled, carried out panchatapa for a number of years.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagiratha
• Gaṅgā
• Gokarṇa
• Ministers (mantri)
• Rāma (Raghunandana)

FAQs

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

Dharma as self-sacrifice for collective welfare: Bhagiratha undertakes severe tapas not for personal gain, but to accomplish a sacred, world-benefiting aim (Gaṅgā’s descent).

What is the narrative situation?

Bhagiratha delegates governance to ministers and begins prolonged, rigorous austerities at Gokarṇa to secure Gaṅgā’s descent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discipline (jitendriyatā) and unwavering resolve (dṛḍha-saṅkalpa) expressed through extreme austerity and restraint.