Shloka 1.43.39

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

Devanagari script

जगाम च पुनर्गङ्गा भगीरथरथानुगा।सागरं चापि सम्प्राप्ता सा सरित्प्रवरा तदा।।।।रसातलमुपागच्छत्सिद्ध्यर्थं तस्य कर्मण:।

Transliteration

jagāma ca punar gaṅgā bhagīratha-rathānugā |

sāgaraṃ cāpi samprāptā sā sarit-pravarā tadā |

rasātalam upāgacchat siddhy-arthaṃ tasya karmaṇaḥ ||

Translation

Gaṅgā set forth once again, following Bhagīratha’s chariot. Reaching the ocean, that foremost of rivers then entered Rasātala, to bring his undertaking to completion.

Context

Ganga, best among rivers, following the chariot of Bhagiratha, reached the ocean. She entered the nether regions of the earth in order to fulfil his mission (salvation of the sons of Sagara).

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Bhagīratha
• Sāgara (ocean)
• Rasātala

FAQs

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

Perseverance in righteous duty: dharma is fulfilled not by beginning well, but by completing the obligation—here, the mission to aid ancestors and uphold truth of purpose.

What is the narrative situation?

After being released by Jahnu, Gaṅgā continues with Bhagīratha, reaches the ocean, and descends into the nether regions to accomplish the goal connected with his rite.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bhagīratha’s unwavering follow-through (kṛta-niścaya) toward a dharmic end.