Valmiki Ramayana 1.43.8: Bala Kanda, Sarga 43, Shloka 8
गङ्गावतरणम्
The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment
सा कथञ्चिन्महीं गन्तुं नाशक्नोद्यत्नमास्थिता।।।।नैव निर्गमनं लेभे जटामण्डलमोहिता।
sā kathañcin mahīṃ gantuṃ nāśaknod yatnam āsthitā |
naiva nirgamanam lebhe jaṭā-maṇḍala-mohitā ||
गंगा बहुत कोशिश करती थी कि कैसे ज़मीन तक पहुँचे। पर वो नहीं पा सकती थी। शंकर के बालों में फंस के वो बाहर नहीं आ पा रही थी।
Trapped in the matted locks, she (Ganga) could not come out. With all her efforts she could not reach the earth.
FAQs
Unchecked intention meets rightful restraint. Dharma is not merely strength or speed; it is alignment with order—without that, even effort fails.
Gaṅgā, held within Śiva’s matted locks, cannot find a passage to descend to earth despite her attempts.
Śiva’s controlling discipline (and, indirectly, the lesson against Gaṅgā’s impulsive pride).
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