Shloka 1.42.14

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

Devanagari script

तस्य वर्षसहस्राणि घोरे तपसि तिष्ठत:।।1.42.13।।अतीतानि महाबाहो तस्य राज्ञो महात्मन:। सुप्रीतो भगवान् ब्रह्मा प्रजानां पतिरीश्वर:।।1.42.14।।

Transliteration

tatas suragaṇaiḥ sārdham upāgamya pitāmahaḥ |

bhagīrathaṃ mahātmānaṃ tapyamānam athābravīt ||

Translation

Then the Grandsire (Brahmā), arriving together with the hosts of gods, spoke to the great-souled Bhagiratha as he continued his austerities.

Context

O mightyarmed, (Rama) Bhagiratha continued in that state for a thousand years amidst rigid austerities. Lord of all creatures, Brahma was highly pleased with that illustrious king.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā (Pitāmaha)
• Suragaṇa (hosts of gods)
• Bhagiratha

FAQs

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

Dharma recognizes sincere spiritual labor: when tapas is rightly undertaken, divine authorities respond, affirming a moral order where effort and grace meet.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā arrives with the gods to address Bhagiratha, indicating that Bhagiratha’s austerities have reached fruition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded devotion to a dharmic aim—Bhagiratha remains absorbed in austerity until the divine response comes.