Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 14
गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना
Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā
तस्य वर्षसहस्राणि घोरे तपसि तिष्ठत:।।1.42.13।।अतीतानि महाबाहो तस्य राज्ञो महात्मन:। सुप्रीतो भगवान् ब्रह्मा प्रजानां पतिरीश्वर:।।1.42.14।।
tasya varṣasahasrāṇi ghore tapasi tiṣṭhataḥ |
atītāni mahābāho tasya rājño mahātmanaḥ |
suprīto bhagavān brahmā prajānāṃ patir īśvaraḥ ||
तस्य महात्मनः राज्ञो घोरतपसि निरतस्य महाबाहो वर्षसहस्राण्यतीतानि। तदा प्रजानां पतिरीश्वरः सुप्रीतो भगवान् ब्रह्मा तस्मै परमं प्रसन्नोऽभवत्॥
O mighty-armed, (Rama)! Bhagiratha continued in that state for a thousand years amidst rigid austerities. Lord of all creatures, Brahma was highly pleased with that illustrious king.
FAQs
Dharma is validated through sustained tapas aligned with a righteous purpose; divine approval comes when effort is truthful, disciplined, and directed toward a just end.
After long austerities by Bhagiratha, Brahmā becomes pleased—signaling that a boon or divine intervention is imminent.
Endurance and unwavering commitment over time—Bhagiratha’s steadfast tapas that does not waver even across vast spans.