Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 42, Shloka 20
गङ्गावतरण-प्रार्थना
Bhagīratha’s Petition for the Descent of Gaṅgā
देया च सन्ततिर्देव नावसीदेत्कुलं च न:।इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले देव एष मेऽस्तु वर:पर:।।1.42.20।।
deyā ca santatir deva nāvasīdet kulaṁ ca naḥ | ikṣvākūṇāṁ kule deva eṣa me 'stu varaḥ paraḥ ||1.42.20||
并且，噢天神，请赐予后嗣，使我族不致断绝。于伊克什瓦库王族之中，噢主宰，愿此成为我进一步的恩赐。
To this the Grandsire of all the worlds replied with a sweet voice full of good wishes and sweet words.
FAQs
Dharma includes safeguarding social continuity: a righteous ruler seeks the stability of the lineage that bears responsibility for protection and justice.
After requesting liberation for Sagara’s sons, Bhagīratha asks for the continuation of the Ikṣvāku line through progeny.
Foresight and responsibility—he thinks beyond the immediate crisis to the long-term welfare of the kingdom and dynasty.