Valmiki Ramayana 1.43.4: Bala Kanda, Sarga 43, Shloka 4
गङ्गावतरणम्
The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment
ततो हैमवती ज्येष्ठा सर्वलोकनमस्कृता।तदा सातिमहद्रूपं कृत्वा वेगं च दुस्सहम्।।।।आकाशादपतद्राम शिवे शिवशिरस्युत।
tato haimavatī jyeṣṭhā sarva-loka-namaskṛtā |
tadā sā ati-mahad-rūpaṃ kṛtvā vegaṃ ca duḥsaham |
ākāśād apatat rāma śive śiva-śirasy uta ||
गंगा, हिमालय की बड़ी बेटी, सबकी इज़्ज़त करती है। उसने एक बहुत बड़ा रूप लिया। तेज़ी से आसमान से नीचे आई। और शिव के सिर पर गिर गई।
Then Ganga, the eldest daughter of Himavat who is adored by all the worlds, assuming the form of a mighty river descended from the sky with unbearable speed on the auspicious head of Siva.
FAQs
Dharma as cosmic restraint: immense power must be borne and regulated by a higher stabilizing principle—Śiva receives Gaṅgā so her force does not harm the worlds.
Gaṅgā descends from heaven in a tremendous form and momentum, landing upon Śiva’s head as part of the divine arrangement enabling her safe flow to earth.
Śiva’s protective containment and responsibility—strength used to safeguard the world’s order.
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