Shloka 11
गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना
Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā
भगीरथस्तु राजर्षिर्धार्मिको रघुनन्दन।अनपत्यो महातेजा: प्रजाकामस्स चाप्रज:।।1.42.11।।
bhagīrathas tu rājarṣir dhārmiko raghunandana |
anapatyo mahātejāḥ prajākāmas sa cāprajaḥ ||
हे रघुनंदन! धर्मात्मा राजर्षी भगीरथ महातेजस्वी असूनही अपत्यहीन होता; प्रजासंततीची इच्छा असूनही तो निष्पुत्रच राहिला।
O delight of the Raghus! righteous Bhagiratha who was highly lustrous rajarshi was without sons. He was desirous of progeny but did not beget children.
FAQs
Dharma includes responsibility to lineage and society; Bhagiratha’s longing for progeny is not mere desire but tied to continuity of righteous rule and ancestral obligations.
Bhagiratha is introduced as righteous and powerful, yet childless, setting the stage for his later austerities and the Gaṅgā-descent mission.
Steadfastness under lack: despite deprivation (no heir), Bhagiratha remains dhārmika and purposeful.