Shloka 1.43.26

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

Devanagari script

तत्र देवर्षिगन्धर्वा वसुधातलवासिन:।।।।भवाङ्गपतितं तोयं पवित्रमिति पस्पृशु:।

Transliteration

tatra devarṣi-gandharvā vasudhā-tala-vāsinaḥ | bhavāṅga-patitaṃ toyaṃ pavitram iti paspṛśuḥ ||

Translation

There, gods, seers, Gandharvas, and dwellers upon the earth touched the water that had fallen from Bhava’s body, holding it to be sacred.

Context

Considering the waters fallen from the head of Siva sacred, devatas, rishis and gandharvas and those living on earth touched it (with reverence).

Characters & Entities

• Bhava (Śiva)
• Devas
• Ṛṣis
• Gandharvas
• Gaṅgā (as sacred water, implied)

FAQs

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

Reverence for the sacred and recognition of purity: dharma includes honoring what elevates life—here, sanctified water associated with divine guardianship.

What is the narrative situation?

After Gaṅgā reaches earth purified through Śiva, celestial beings and humans approach and touch the waters as holy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śraddhā (reverent faith): the community’s respectful approach to what is deemed purifying and dharmically potent.