स्वर्गारोहणपर्व — तृतीयोऽध्यायः
Indra and Dharma’s Consolation; Celestial Gaṅgā Purification
मान्धाता यत्र राजर्षियत्र राजा भगीरथ: । दौष्यन्तिर्यत्र भरतस्तत्र त्वं विहरिष्यसि
māndhātā yatra rājarṣir yatra rājā bhagīrathaḥ | dauṣyantir yatra bharatas tatra tvaṃ viharīṣyasi ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “There, where the royal sage Māndhātṛ dwells, where King Bhagīratha abides, and where Bharata, son of Duṣyanta, is found—there you too shall roam in joy.” The verse evokes the ethical ideal of kingship: those who upheld dharma and served the world through righteous rule become exemplars and companions in the blessed realms attained by virtue.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse teaches that righteous, dharma-centered kingship and selfless service (like Bhagīratha’s austerity for the world) lead to exalted spiritual reward; the virtuous are said to dwell among and enjoy the company of exemplary rulers in higher realms.
Vaiśampāyana describes a blessed destination—an exalted realm associated with renowned dharmic kings (Māndhātṛ, Bhagīratha, and Bharata)—assuring the addressed person that they will dwell and move happily there among such illustrious figures.