Shloka 1.43.38
गङ्गावतरणम् (The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment)
ततस्तुष्टो महातेजाश्श्रोत्राभ्यामसृजत् पुन:।।।।तस्माज्जह्नुसुता गङ्गा प्रोच्यते जाह्नवीतिच।
tatas tuṣṭo mahātejāḥ śrotrābhyām asṛjat punaḥ |
tasmāj jahnu-sutā gaṅgā procyate jāhnavī iti ca ||
Pleased, the radiant Jahnu released Gaṅgā once more from his two ears; therefore Gaṅgā is spoken of as “Jahnu’s daughter,” and also as “Jāhnavī.”
The brilliant (Jahnu) was pleased. He released her through both his both ears. Hence Ganga is called Jahnavi, daughter of Jahnu.
Dharma includes the capacity to temper justice with grace: after restraint comes release, and reconciliation is sealed through an acknowledged relationship.
Jahnu, appeased by the gods and sages, releases Gaṅgā; her epithet ‘Jāhnavī’ arises from this event.
Jahnu’s magnanimity—restoring what was checked once order and respect are re-established.