Shloka 1.44.1

गङ्गावतरण-समापनः (Conclusion of the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

स गत्वा सागरं राजा गङ्गयाऽनुगतस्तदा ।प्रविवेश तलं भूमेर्यत्र ते भस्मसात्कृता:।।1.44.1।।

Transliteration

sa gatvā sāgaraṃ rājā gaṅgayānugatas tadā |

praviveśa talaṃ bhūmer yatra te bhasmasāt-kṛtāḥ ||

Translation

Then that king, followed by the sacred Gaṅgā, went to the ocean and entered the earth’s lower depths—where the sons of Sagara had been reduced to ashes.

Context

Thereupon that king followed by Ganga reached the ocean and entered the lower regions of the earth where the sons of Sagara were found reduced to ashes.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• Gaṅgā
• Sāgara (ocean)
• sons of Sagara (implied)
• Bhūmi-tala (nether regions of earth)

FAQs

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

Dharma as guided responsibility: Bhagiratha personally leads the sacred means (Gaṅgā) to the precise place of need, showing that righteous duty is concrete and completed through action.

What is the narrative situation?

Bhagiratha travels with Gaṅgā to the ocean and then to the subterranean region where the ashes of Sagara’s sons lie.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Purposeful leadership and devotion to ancestral duty—he does not stop at bringing Gaṅgā; he ensures the intended rite is fulfilled.