Shloka 1.42.18

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

Devanagari script

यदि मे भगवन् प्रीतो यद्यस्ति तपस: फलम्।सगरस्यात्मजास्सर्वे मत्तस्सलिलमाप्नुयु:।।1.42.18।।

Transliteration

sa rājā sumahān āsīd aṁśumān raghunandana | tasya putro mahān āsīd dilīpa iti viśrutaḥ ||1.42.2||

Translation

O Rāma, delight of the Raghu line—Aṁśumān became a very great king; and to him was born a renowned and noble son named Dilīpa.

Context

'O Lord! if you are pleased with my austerities and if they are worthy of a reward, grant me the boon whereby all the sons of Sagara will receive from me funeral rites with the waters (of Ganga)'.

Characters & Entities

• Aṁśumān
• Dilīpa
• Raghu dynasty

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as continuity of righteous kingship—great rulers arise in succession to sustain social order and uphold duty across generations.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra continues the genealogy connected to the Gaṅgā narrative, naming Aṁśumān and his son Dilīpa as links in the Ikṣvāku line.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Royal responsibility and lineage-based stewardship—being ‘great’ implies merit in governance, protection, and adherence to dharma.