Shloka 27
Bhāgīratha’s Tapas and the Petition to Gaṅgā (गङ्गावतरण-प्रसङ्गः)
एवं हि खनतां तेषां समुद्रं वरुणालयम् । व्यतीत: सुमहान् कालो न चाश्व:ः समदृश्यत,इस प्रकार वरुणके निवासभूत समुद्रकी खुदाई करते-करते उनका बहुत समय बीत गया, परंतु वह अश्व कहीं दिखायी नहीं दिया
evaṃ hi khanatāṃ teṣāṃ samudraṃ varuṇālayaṃ | vyatītaḥ sumahān kālo na cāśvaḥ samadṛśyata ||
As they continued digging into the ocean—Varuṇa’s own abode—a very long time passed; yet the horse was nowhere to be seen. The episode underscores how relentless effort, when misdirected or driven by impatience, can consume time without yielding the sought result, inviting reflection on discernment and right means (dharma) in pursuit.
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that sheer exertion is not enough: when effort is driven by impatience or lacks proper discernment, much time can be wasted without attaining the goal. It implicitly points to dharma as right method and right judgment, not merely intensity of action.
The group has been digging into the ocean—described as Varuṇa’s dwelling—in search of a horse. Despite a long time passing, the horse does not appear anywhere.