Shloka 1.42.19

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

Devanagari script

गङ्गायास्सलिलक्लिन्ने भस्मन्येषां महात्मनाम्।स्वर्गं गच्छेयुरत्यन्तं सर्वे मे प्रपितामहा:।।1.42.19।।

Transliteration

tasmin rājyaṁ samāveśya dilīpe raghunandana | himavacchikhare puṇye tapas tepe sudāruṇam ||1.42.3||

Translation

Thus, O delight of the Raghus, having entrusted the kingdom to Dilīpa, Aṁśumān performed exceedingly severe austerities upon the sacred peak of Himavat.

Context

'The ashes of these eminent uncles of my grandfather, immersed by the waters of Ganga may ultimately go to heaven'.

Characters & Entities

• Aṁśumān
• Dilīpa
• Himavat (Himalaya)

FAQs

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

Dharma balances worldly duty and spiritual discipline: a king ensures stable governance first, then pursues tapas for higher purposes.

What is the narrative situation?

The story explains how Aṁśumān, after securing succession through Dilīpa, undertakes harsh penance in the Himalayas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-control and prioritization of duty—renunciation is undertaken responsibly, not by abandoning one’s obligations.