Shloka 1.43.8

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

Devanagari script

सा कथञ्चिन्महीं गन्तुं नाशक्नोद्यत्नमास्थिता।।।।नैव निर्गमनं लेभे जटामण्डलमोहिता।

Transliteration

sā kathañcin mahīṃ gantuṃ nāśaknod yatnam āsthitā |

naiva nirgamanam lebhe jaṭā-maṇḍala-mohitā ||

Translation

Though striving in every way to reach the earth, she could not; entangled in the mass of matted locks, she found no outlet.

Context

Trapped in the matted locks, she (Ganga) could not come out. With all her efforts she could not reach the earth.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Jaṭā-maṇḍala (Śiva’s matted locks)
• Mahī (earth)

FAQs

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

Unchecked intention meets rightful restraint. Dharma is not merely strength or speed; it is alignment with order—without that, even effort fails.

What is the narrative situation?

Gaṅgā, held within Śiva’s matted locks, cannot find a passage to descend to earth despite her attempts.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śiva’s controlling discipline (and, indirectly, the lesson against Gaṅgā’s impulsive pride).