Shloka 18
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 97: Satyavatī’s appeal and Bhīṣma’s reaffirmation of satya
गज़ोवाच ममाप्येवं मतं देवा यथा मां वदतानघा: । प्रियं तस्य करिष्यामि युष्माकं॑ चैतदीप्सितम्,गंगाजीने कहा--निष्पाप देवताओ! तुमलोग जैसा कहते हो, वैसा ही मेरा भी विचार है। मैं राजा शान्तनुका प्रिय करूँगी और तुम्हारे इस अभीष्ट कार्यको भी सिद्ध करूँगी
gaṅgovāca mamāpy evaṃ mataṃ devā yathā māṃ vadatānaghāḥ | priyaṃ tasya kariṣyāmi yuṣmākaṃ caitad īpsitam ||
Gaṅgā said: “O gods, free from sin, my own resolve is exactly as you say. I shall do what is dear to him (King Śāntanu), and I shall also accomplish this purpose of yours that you desire.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights alignment of personal will with a higher purpose: Gaṅgā commits to act lovingly toward Śāntanu while also fulfilling the gods’ intended aim, showing how duty can involve honoring both human relationship and divine mandate.
Gaṅgā responds to the gods, agreeing with their counsel and promising two things: to do what will be dear to King Śāntanu and to carry out the gods’ desired objective within the unfolding story.