Shloka 1.43.1

गङ्गावतरणम् (The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment)

Devanagari script

देवदेवे गते तस्मिन् सोऽङ्गुष्ठाग्रनिपीडिताम्।कृत्वा वसुमतीं राम संवत्सरमुपासत।।।।

Transliteration

devadeve gate tasmin so 'ṅguṣṭhāgranipīḍitām |

kṛtvā vasumatīṃ rāma saṃvatsaram upāsata || 1.43.1 ||

Translation

O Rāma, when that God of gods had departed, Bhagīratha undertook austerity for a year, pressing the earth with the tip of his great toe, steadfast in meditation.

Context

"O Rama! when that God of the gods (Brahma) departed, Bhagiratha, pressing the earth with the tip of his big toe (standing supported by the big toe) penanced (meditated upon Siva) for one year.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• Brahmā
• Rāma
• Earth (Vasumatī)

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through disciplined effort: when a righteous aim is difficult, one pursues it with sustained tapas rather than abandoning it.

What is the narrative situation?

After Brahmā departs, Bhagīratha intensifies his austerities to win divine support for Gaṅgā’s descent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Austerity and unwavering resolve in service of a collective good (ancestral uplift).