Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 35, Shloka 23
गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga
Tripathagā Narrative
एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा त्रिपथगा नदी।खं गता प्रथमं तात गतिं गतिमतां वर ।।1.35.23।।
etat te sarvam ākhyātaṃ yathā tripathagā nadī |
khaṃ gatā prathamaṃ tāta gatiṃ gatimatāṃ vara || 1.35.23 ||
அருமை மகனே, வேகமுடையோரில் சிறந்தவனே! திரிபதகா நதியான கங்கை எவ்வாறு முதலில் ஆகாயத்தை அடைந்தாள் என்பதை எல்லாம் உனக்குச் சொன்னேன்.
On hearing his words Rama performed morning oblations and getting ready for theonward journey spoke:
FAQs
Dharma as faithful transmission of sacred history: the teacher conveys truthful tradition (itihāsa) to guide understanding and reverence.
Viśvāmitra concludes a portion of the account, stating he has explained how Gaṅgā became ‘tripathagā’ and first ascended to heaven.
The guru’s clarity in instruction and the student’s worthiness as a respectful listener.