Shloka 1.42.23

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

Devanagari script

इयं हैमवती गङ्गा ज्येष्ठा हिमवतस्सुता।तां वै धारयितुं शक्तो हरस्तत्र नियुज्यताम्।।1.42.23।।

Transliteration

manoratho mahān eṣa bhagīratha mahāratha | evaṁ bhavatu bhadraṁ te ikṣvākukulavardhana ||1.42.22||

Translation

O Bhagīratha, great warrior—truly great is your desire. So may it be; blessings upon you, increaser of the Ikṣvāku line.

Context

'This Hymavati (Ganga) is Himavat's eldest daughter and only lord Siva is capable to hold (the force of her descent to earth). Therefore let Siva be entreated'.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā
• Bhagīratha
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

FAQs

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

Dharma honors selfless intention: a wish aimed at ancestral welfare and dynastic responsibility is affirmed as ‘great’ and worthy.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā grants Bhagīratha’s requests and offers a benediction, acknowledging the magnitude of his aim.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral grandeur—greatness is defined by service to others and commitment to duty, not by personal ambition.