Shloka 1.43.23

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

Devanagari script

क्वचिद्द्रुततरं याति कुटिलं क्वचिदायतम्।।।।विनतं क्वचिदुद्धूतं क्वचिद्याति शनैश्शनै:।

Transliteration

kvacid drutataram yāti kuṭilaṃ kvacid āyatam | vinataṃ kvacid uddhūtaṃ kvacid yāti śanaiḥ śanaiḥ ||

Translation

In places it surged very fast; elsewhere it ran in winding curves; in some stretches it spread broad, in others it dipped low or rose high, and at times it flowed gently—slowly, slowly.

Context

Ganga was flowing now rapid, now slow, now wide, now meandering, now low, now high.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā (implied as the river being described)

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as adaptive steadiness: like the river that moves in many modes yet remains a river, righteous purpose can persist through changing conditions.

What is the narrative situation?

The text continues the visual description of Gaṅgā’s descent and movement, emphasizing her varying speeds and forms as she courses onward.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bhagīratha’s resolve is implied: he endures the unfolding, unpredictable force of nature while remaining focused on his sacred aim.