Shloka 1.43.34

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

Devanagari script

ततो हि यजमानस्य जह्नोरद्भुतकर्मण:।।।।गङ्गा सम्प्लावयामास यज्ञवाटं महात्मन:।

Transliteration

tato hi yajamānasya jahnor adbhuta-karmaṇaḥ |

gaṅgā samplāvayāmāsa yajña-vāṭaṃ mahātmanaḥ ||

Translation

Then Gaṅgā flooded the sacrificial enclosure of the great-souled sage Jahnu, famed for wondrous deeds, even as he was officiating his sacrifice.

Context

Then while Ganga was flowing, it inundated the sacrificial ground of the great sage Jahnu. Jahnu who used to work wonders was performing a sacrifice.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Jahnu
• Yajña (sacrifice)
• Yajña-vāṭa (sacrificial enclosure)

FAQs

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

Even sacred power must respect dharmic boundaries: righteousness includes honoring others’ rightful rites and spaces, not overwhelming them through force.

What is the narrative situation?

As Gaṅgā proceeds, her waters overflow into Jahnu’s ongoing sacrificial ground.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Jahnu’s steadfast guardianship of ritual propriety (yajña-maryādā).