Shloka 1.43.30

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

Devanagari script

भगीरथोऽपि राजार्षिर्दिव्यं स्यन्दनमास्थित:।प्रायादग्रे महातेजास्तं गङ्गा पृष्ठतोऽन्वगात्।।।

Transliteration

bhagīratho 'pi rājārṣir divyaṃ syandanam āsthitaḥ | prāyād agre mahā-tejās taṃ gaṅgā pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||

Translation

Then the royal sage Bhagīratha, radiant with great splendor, mounted a divine chariot and went on ahead; and Gaṅgā followed him from behind.

Context

Most brilliant rajarshi Bhagiratha also mounting the divine chariot moved forward and Ganga followed him.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• Gaṅgā
• divine chariot (divya syandana)

FAQs

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

Dharma as righteous leadership: Bhagīratha goes first, taking responsibility for directing a divine force toward a welfare-giving purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

After Gaṅgā’s descent is made safe, Bhagīratha proceeds ahead on a divine chariot, guiding her course as she follows.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast purpose (dṛḍha-saṅkalpa): he continues to guide the mission to completion, not stopping at merely obtaining the boon.