Shloka 1.44.8

गङ्गावतरण-समापनः (Conclusion of the Descent of Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

पूर्वकेण हि ते राजंस्तेनातियशसा तदा।धर्मिणां प्रवरेणापि नैष प्राप्तो मनोरथ:।।1.44.8।।

Transliteration

pitāmahānāṃ sarveṣāṃ tvam atra manujādhipa | kuruṣva salilaṃ rājan pratijñām apavarjaya || 1.44.7 ||

Translation

O lord of men, O king—here you should make the water-offerings for all your ancestors, and thus bring your vow to completion.

Context

O King! by the highly renowned ancestors of yours, the foremost among righteous ones (even Sagara) this desire has not been fulfilled.

Characters & Entities

• Bhagīratha
• pitāmahāḥ (ancestors)
• salila (water-offering)

FAQs

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

Dharma requires completing one’s vow (satya-pratijñā) and honoring ancestors through prescribed rites; personal resolve is validated through dutiful action.

What is the narrative situation?

Within the Gaṅgā-descent account, the king is urged to offer libations to his ancestors, thereby completing the purpose for which Gaṅgā was brought.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pratijñā-pālana (keeping one’s vow) and pitṛ-ṛṇa awareness (repaying the debt to forefathers).