Shloka 1.43.3

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

Devanagari script

प्रीतस्तेऽहं नरश्रेष्ठ करिष्यामि तव प्रियम्।शिरसा धारयिष्यामि शैलराजसुतामहम्।।।।

Transliteration

prītas te 'haṃ naraśreṣṭha kariṣyāmi tava priyam | śirasā dhārayiṣyāmi śailarāja-sutām aham ||

Translation

“I am pleased with you, O best of men; I shall do what is dear to you. Upon my head I will bear the daughter of the Mountain-King.”

Context

"O Best of men! I am pleased with your devotion. I will hold Ganga on my head, the daughter of the king of mountains (to reduce the force of her descent). I shall do your wish.

Characters & Entities

• Śiva (Śaṅkara)
• Bhagīratha
• Gaṅgā
• Mountain-King (Himālaya; śailarāja)

FAQs

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

Dharma as keeping one’s word and using power responsibly: Śiva agrees to bear Gaṅgā so that a boon benefits the world without causing harm.

What is the narrative situation?

Bhagīratha has performed austerities to bring Gaṅgā down; Śiva consents to receive her on his head to moderate her descent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śiva’s benevolence and guardianship—he accepts a burden to protect creation and fulfill a devotee’s righteous aim.