Shloka 1.42.4

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

Devanagari script

द्वात्रिंशच्च सहस्राणि वर्षाणि सुमहायशा:।तपोवनं गतो राम स्वर्गं लेभे तपोधन:।।1.42.4।।

Transliteration

dvātriṃśac ca sahasrāṇi varṣāṇi sumahāyaśāḥ |

tapovanaṃ gato rāma svargaṃ lebhe tapodhanaḥ || 1.42.4 ||

Translation

O Rāma, for thirty-two thousand years the greatly renowned Anuśumān dwelt in the forest of austerities; rich only in tapas, he attained heaven—yet without fulfilling his aim.

Context

O Rama! highly renowned Anshuman, having lived for thirtytwo thousand years in the tapovana, turned an ascetic and attained heaven (without accomplishing his objective).

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Anuśumān
• Tapovana
• Svarga

FAQs

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

Tapas is honored, but dharma also includes completing one’s entrusted duty; spiritual attainment alone does not automatically mean the worldly obligation is fulfilled.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra recounts that Anuśumān undertook long austerities, but still did not accomplish the objective connected with his ancestors and Gaṅgā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance in tapas (ascetic discipline), alongside the implied lesson that persistence must be aligned with the right means to complete one’s vow.