Shloka 1.42.6

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

Devanagari script

कथं गङ्गावतरणं कथं तेषां जलक्रिया।तारयेयं कथं चैतानिति चिन्तापरोऽभवत्।।1.42.6।।

Transliteration

kathaṃ gaṅgāvataraṇaṃ kathaṃ teṣāṃ jalakriyā |

tārayeyaṃ kathaṃ caitān iti cintāparo 'bhavat || 1.42.6 ||

Translation

“How shall Gaṅgā be brought down? How shall the water-rites for them be performed? And how shall I deliver them?”—thus he became wholly absorbed in anxious reflection.

Context

How to bring about the descent of Ganga? How to perform funeral rites of the ancestors with Ganga water? How to liberate them Thus Dilipa was constantly engaged in such thoughts.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Ancestors of Dilīpa

FAQs

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

Pitṛ-dharma: honoring and uplifting one’s ancestors through rightful rites and determined effort; dharma is expressed as responsibility across generations.

What is the narrative situation?

Dilīpa searches for a way to bring Gaṅgā to earth so that the proper rites can be done and his ancestors can be released.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Earnestness in duty—his mind is fixed on the welfare of others (his forefathers), not personal gain.