Shloka 1.42.15

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

Devanagari script

ततस्सुरगणैस्सार्धमुपागम्य पितामह:।भगीरथं महात्मानं तप्यमानमथाब्रवीत्।।1.42.15।।

Transliteration

bhagīratha mahābhāga prītas te 'haṃ janeśvara |

tapasā ca sutaptena varaṃ varaya suvrata ||

Translation

“O Bhagiratha, greatly fortunate one—O lord among men! I am pleased with your well-performed austerities; O you of excellent vows, choose a boon.”

Context

Thereafter, the Grandsire arrived with the gods and spoke to the noble Bhagiratha engaged in austerities.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā
• Bhagiratha

FAQs

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

Right effort (tapas) aligned with truth and vows is honored; dharma teaches that disciplined striving gains legitimate divine support—not arbitrary favor.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā directly addresses Bhagiratha and invites him to ask for a boon, marking the turning point toward Gaṅgā’s descent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bhagiratha’s integrity in vows (suvrata) and properly conducted austerity (sutapta-tapas).