Shloka 1.42.25

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

Devanagari script

तमेवमुक्त्वा राजानं गङ्गां चाभाष्य लोककृत्।जगाम त्रिदिवं देवस्सहदेवैर्मरुद्गणै:।।1.42.25।।

Transliteration

gaṅgāyāḥ patanaṁ rājan pṛthivī na sahiṣyati | tāṁ vai dhārayituṁ vīra nānyaṁ paśyāmi śūlinaḥ ||1.42.24||

Translation

O King, the earth cannot endure Gaṅgā’s descent. O hero, I see none other than the trident-bearer, Śiva, who can hold her.

Context

The Creator of the worlds having thus addressed the king and conversing with Ganga went towards heaven along with devatas and maruts".ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē dvicatvāriṅśassarga:৷৷Thus ends the fortysecond sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Earth (Pṛthivī)
• Śiva (Śūlin)
• Bhagīratha

FAQs

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

Dharma requires non-harm and proportionality: immense power must be restrained and guided so that the world is not damaged by even sacred forces.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā clarifies the danger of Gaṅgā’s uncontrolled descent and identifies Śiva as the necessary bearer.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility before cosmic law—recognizing that even kings and gods work within limits and must act responsibly.