Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 1
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
श्रीशुक उवाच अंशुमांश्च तपस्तेपे गङ्गानयनकाम्यया । कालं महान्तं नाशक्नोत् तत: कालेन संस्थित: ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca aṁśumāṁś ca tapas tepe gaṅgānayana-kāmyayā kālaṁ mahāntaṁ nāśaknot tataḥ kālena saṁsthitaḥ
Śukadeva Gosvāmī bersabda: Raja Aṁśumān melakukan tapa yang sangat lama demi keinginan membawa Sungai Gaṅgā turun ke dunia. Namun ia tidak mampu mendatangkannya, dan pada waktunya ia pun wafat.
FAQs
This verse states that King Aṁśumān performed long austerities to bring Gaṅgā down, but he could not complete the task and eventually passed away—showing the mission continued through later generations.
To emphasize the role of kāla (time) and divine arrangement in sacred accomplishments—human effort is vital, yet outcomes unfold according to providence and are carried forward through lineage and devotion.
Practice sincere effort and spiritual discipline, but remain patient and humble—accepting that some goals require time, support, and continuity beyond one’s immediate control.