Shloka 1.44.15

गङ्गावतरण-समापनः (Conclusion of the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

पितामहानां सर्वेषां कुरुष्व सलिलक्रियाम्।स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु गमिष्यामि स्वं लोकं गम्यतां नृप।।1.44.15।।

Transliteration

pitāmahānāṃ sarveṣāṃ kuruṣva salilakriyām | svasti te ’stu gamiṣyāmi svaṃ lokaṃ gamyatāṃ nṛpa || 1.44.15 ||

Translation

Perform the water-offerings for all your forefathers. May auspicious well-being be yours; I shall depart to my own realm—return now, O king.

Context

O King! perform the rites of all your forefathers with the waters (of Ganga), farewell. I shall return to my world (now). Go back, O King" (said Grandsire)!

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā
• Bhagīratha
• Pitāmahāḥ (forefathers/ancestors)

FAQs

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

Pitṛ-dharma (duty to ancestors): gratitude and responsibility toward one’s lineage are fulfilled through prescribed rites, linking personal virtue with familial and societal continuity.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā instructs Bhagiratha to complete the ancestral water-rites and then announces his own departure back to the divine realm.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverence and dutiful completion—finishing sacred obligations fully, not stopping at the moment of success.