Shloka 56
Bhāgīratha’s Tapas and the Petition to Gaṅgā (गङ्गावतरण-प्रसङ्गः)
तव चैव प्रभावेण स्वर्ग यास्यन्ति सागरा: । (शलभत्वं गता होते मम क्रोधहुताशने ।) पौत्रश्न ते त्रिपथगां त्रिदिवादानयिष्यति,“तुम्हारे ही प्रभावसे सगरके सारे पुत्र जो मेरी क्रोधाग्निमें शलभकी भाँति भस्म हो गये हैं, स्वर्गलोकमें चले जायँगे। तुम्हारा पौत्र भगवान् शंकरको संतुष्ट करके सगरपुत्रोंकों पवित्र करनेके लिये स्वर्गलोकसे यहाँ गंगाजीको ले आयेगा। नरश्रेष्ठ! तुम्हारा भला हो। तुम इस यज्ञिय अश्वको ले जाओ
tava caiva prabhāveṇa svargaṁ yāsyanti sāgarāḥ | (śalabhatvaṁ gatā hote mama krodha-hutāśane |) pautraś ca te tripathagāṁ tridivād ānayiṣyati |
Sagara said: “By the power of your merit, the sons of Sagara—who were burned to ashes like moths in the fire of my wrath—will attain heaven. And your grandson will bring down the Three-pathed River, Gaṅgā, from the celestial world, thereby purifying the sons of Sagara.” The passage underscores a moral arc: uncontrolled anger destroys, yet the fruits of austerity and righteous effort can restore what was lost and secure liberation for others.
सगर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts destructive anger with redemptive merit: wrath can annihilate lives, but tapas and righteous resolve can secure purification and heavenly attainment even for those who have fallen, emphasizing responsibility for one’s emotions and the salvific power of dharmic effort.
Sagara speaks about his sons who were reduced to ashes and foretells their ascent to heaven through the spiritual efficacy of the addressed person, adding that the listener’s grandson will bring Gaṅgā down from heaven to purify and redeem the Sagara lineage.