Shloka 1.43.15

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

Devanagari script

गगनाच्छङ्करशिरस्ततो धरणिमाश्रिता।। ।।व्यसर्पत जलं तत्र तीव्रशब्दपुरस्कृतम्।

Transliteration

saptamī cānvagāt tāsāṃ bhagīratham atho nṛpam | bhagīratho 'pi rājarṣir divyaṃ syandanam āsthitaḥ || prāyād agre mahātejā gaṅgā taṃ cāpy anuvrajat |

Translation

The seventh stream among them followed King Bhagīratha. That royal sage, radiant with splendor, mounted a divine chariot and sped ahead—and Gaṅgā followed after him.

Context

From the sky on to the head of Shankara and thence Ganga resorted to the earth. There it flowed forward with a roaring sound.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• Gaṅgā
• divine chariot (syandana)

FAQs

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

Dharma is leadership in service: Bhagīratha does not seek personal gain; he guides a sacred power for the welfare of ancestors and the world.

What is the narrative situation?

Gaṅgā’s waters have divided into streams; one stream specifically follows Bhagīratha as he leads it onward.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bhagīratha’s responsibility and purposeful guidance (netṛtva) aligned with satya and duty.