Shloka 1.43.9

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

Devanagari script

तत्रैवाबम्भ्रमद्देवी संवत्सरगणान् बहून्।।।।तामपश्यन्पुनस्तत्र तप: परममास्थित:।

Transliteration

tatraivābambhramad devī saṃvatsara-gaṇān bahūn |

tām apaśyan punas tatra tapaḥ paramam āsthitaḥ ||

Translation

There itself the goddess wandered for many years; and Bhagiratha, not seeing her emerge, once again undertook the highest austerity there.

Context

There the golden Ganga wandered about for many years. Bhagiratha not finding Ganga, once again resorted to great penance.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• Bhagīratha
• Tapas (austerity)

FAQs

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

Satya in practice: steadfast commitment to a righteous aim. Dharma is sustained through repeated effort when obstacles arise, not abandoned after partial success.

What is the narrative situation?

Gaṅgā remains contained in Śiva’s locks for years; Bhagiratha, unable to get her to proceed, renews intense penance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bhagiratha’s perseverance and disciplined self-sacrifice (tapas) for a collective good.