Shloka 30
गङ्गावतरणम्
The Descent of the Gaṅgā and Bhagiratha’s Fulfilment
भगीरथोऽपि राजार्षिर्दिव्यं स्यन्दनमास्थित:।प्रायादग्रे महातेजास्तं गङ्गा पृष्ठतोऽन्वगात्।।।
bhagīratho 'pi rājārṣir divyaṃ syandanam āsthitaḥ | prāyād agre mahā-tejās taṃ gaṅgā pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||
ਤਦ ਮਹਾਤੇਜਸਵੀ ਰਾਜਰਿਸ਼ੀ ਭਗੀਰਥ ਦਿਵ੍ਯ ਰਥ ਉੱਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹ ਕੇ ਅੱਗੇ ਚਲ ਪਿਆ; ਅਤੇ ਗੰਗਾ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਆਉਂਦੀ ਰਹੀ।
Most brilliant rajarshi Bhagiratha also mounting the divine chariot moved forward and Ganga followed him.
FAQs
Dharma as righteous leadership: Bhagīratha goes first, taking responsibility for directing a divine force toward a welfare-giving purpose.
After Gaṅgā’s descent is made safe, Bhagīratha proceeds ahead on a divine chariot, guiding her course as she follows.
Steadfast purpose (dṛḍha-saṅkalpa): he continues to guide the mission to completion, not stopping at merely obtaining the boon.