Shloka 1.44.21

गङ्गावतरण-समापनः (Conclusion of the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं पुत्र्यं स्वर्ग्यमतीव च।यश्श्रावयति विप्रेषु क्षत्रियेष्वितरेषु च।।1.44.21।। प्रीयन्ते पितरस्तस्य प्रीयन्ते दैवतानि च।

Transliteration

dhanyaṃ yaśasyam āyuṣyaṃ putryaṃ svargyam atīva ca | yaḥ śrāvayati vipreṣu kṣatriyeṣv itareṣu ca || 1.44.21 || prīyante pitaras tasya prīyante daivatāni ca |

Translation

Prosperity, fame, long life, the blessing of children, and even heaven—these are bestowed in abundance upon one who has this account recited among brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, and others as well. His forefathers are pleased, and the gods too are pleased with him.

Context

He will be blessed with fame, longevity, progeny and (after death) heaven brahmins One who recites this story of Ganga to the kshatriyas and others, the gods and his forefathers would be pleased with him.

Characters & Entities

• Gaṅgā
• pitaraḥ (ancestors)
• daivatāni (gods)
• vipra (brāhmaṇa)
• kṣatriya

FAQs

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

Dharma is upheld through reverent engagement with sacred history (itihāsa): listening to and transmitting righteous narratives is presented as a meritorious act that supports social and spiritual order, pleasing both gods and ancestors.

What is the narrative situation?

At the close of the Gaṅgā-descent narration, the speaker states the phalaśruti (benefits) of reciting/hearing this account—prosperity, fame, longevity, progeny, heaven—and the satisfaction of the pitṛs and devas.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śraddhā (reverent faith) and dāna-like sharing of wisdom: arranging recitation for others is treated as a virtuous, community-oriented act.