Sarga 42: Bhagiratha's Austerity
Bhagiratha Tapas
Anshuman and Dilipa each fail to bring Ganga to earth; Dilipa's son Bhagiratha performs thousand-year austerities at Gokarna, and Brahma grants his boon on condition that Shiva alone can bear Ganga's descent.
Jump to a shloka · 24 in this sarga
मनोरथो महानेष भगीरथ महारथ। एवं भवतु भद्रं ते इक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धन।।1.42.22।।
Meaning
This is a great wish, Bhagiratha, great charioteer; so be it, may you prosper, upholder of the Ikshvaku line.
इयं हैमवती गङ्गा ज्येष्ठा हिमवतस्सुता। तां वै धारयितुं शक्तो हरस्तत्र नियुज्यताम्।।1.42.23।।
Meaning
This is the snow-born Ganga, Himavan's eldest daughter; let Hara be appointed there, for he alone can hold her.
गङ्गाया: पतनं राजन् पृथिवी न सहिष्यति। तां वै धारयितुं वीर नान्यं पश्यामि शूलिन:।।1.42.24।।
Meaning
King, the earth will not endure Ganga's fall; hero, I see none other than the trident-bearer able to sustain her.
तमेवमुक्त्वा राजानं गङ्गां चाभाष्य लोककृत्। जगाम त्रिदिवं देवस्सहदेवैर्मरुद्गणै:।।1.42.25।।
Meaning
Having thus spoken to the king and addressed Ganga as well, the world-maker god departed to heaven with the gods and the host of Maruts.