Shloka 1.43.12

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

Devanagari script

तस्यां विसृज्यमानायां सप्तस्रोतांसि जज्ञिरे।।1.43.11।। ह्लादिनी पावनी चैव नलिनी च तथाऽपरा।तिस्र: प्राचीं दिशं जग्मु: गङ्गाश्शिवजलाश्शुभा:।।1.43.12।।

Transliteration

tasyāṃ visṛjyamānāyāṃ saptasrotāṃsi jajñire || 1.43.11 ||

hlādinī pāvanī caiva nalinī ca tathā ’parā |

tisraḥ prācīṃ diśaṃ jagmur gaṅgāḥ śivajalāḥ śubhāḥ || 1.43.12 ||

Translation

As Gaṅgā was released, seven streams came into being. Of these, three auspicious Gaṅgā-streams—Hlādinī, Pāvanī, and Nalinī—bearing holy waters, flowed toward the eastern direction.

Context

As she (Ganga) was released, she branched out into seven streams. Three streams known as Hladini, Pavani and Nalini having auspicious waters and conferring prosperity flowed eastwards.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Seven streams (Saptasrotas)
• Hlādinī
• Pāvanī
• Nalinī
• East (Prācī diś)

FAQs

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

Dharma is purification and life-support: Gaṅgā’s waters spread in ordered channels, symbolizing grace made accessible without overwhelming the world.

What is the narrative situation?

When Gaṅgā descends, she divides into multiple streams; this verse names the east-flowing branches.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gaṅgā’s beneficence—her ‘śivajala’ nature (holy, auspicious water) that purifies and sustains.