Shloka 1.42.20

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

Devanagari script

देया च सन्ततिर्देव नावसीदेत्कुलं च न:।इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले देव एष मेऽस्तु वर:पर:।।1.42.20।।

Transliteration

gaṅgāyāḥ salilaklinne bhasmany eṣāṁ mahātmanām | svargaṁ gaccheyur atyantaṁ sarve me prapitāmahāḥ ||1.42.19||

Translation

May the ashes of those great-souled ones, moistened by the waters of Gaṅgā, lead all my forefathers at last to heaven.

Context

'O Lord! let the progeny be perpuated in our race of the Ikshvakus. Let not that dynasty be terminated with me. This is another boon I seek'.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• Gaṅgā
• ashes (bhasman)
• ancestors (prapitāmahāḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma as gratitude to lineage: honoring and redeeming ancestors through rightful rites and sincere intention.

What is the narrative situation?

Bhagīratha specifies the intended result of Gaṅgā’s waters: purification of the ashes and the ascent of the ancestors to heaven.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Filial piety and steadfast devotion—his goal is the welfare of the departed rather than personal gain.