GANGAVATARANA - 10

(This is the most important section as far as Gangavatarana is concerned. Words marked with superscript will be explained in the next article. Please read, comment and Share, if you like it. This is the latter par

t of Chapter 42 in Balakanda of Sri Valmeeki Ramayana.) 

Raghava, the spiritually awakened and pious king, Rajarshi Bhageeratha had no children. Hence, he decided to handover the reigns of his throne to his Ministers and went away to Gokarna kshetra3, consecrated Panchagni4, stood at the centre with his shoulders risen upwards, launched a penance by controlling all his sensory organs and consuming food only once in a month; his goal was to beget children and more importantly to bring Ganga to the Earth. He spent several years doing such a penance. 

Impressed with the dreadful penance of Bhageeratha, Lord, Prajapati5, Sarveshwara6 and Pitamaha7 Chaturmukha8 Brahma, reached Bhageeratha, who was still engaged in penance, along with other deities, and said:

“Most radiant Janeshwara, I am very much pleased with your grueling penance. Oh Committed, seek the boon you desire most and I am ready to grant the same.” 

Highly radiant and broad shouldered Bhageeratha, with folded hands and standing in a posture of devotion and submission, told the Pitamaha of universe: 

“My most revered Lord, if you are truly pleased with my penance and willing to grant the fruits for my penance, kindly enable me to perform the Salila Kriya to the 60,000 children of my great grandfather Sagara. Lord Brahma, if the heap of ashes of great children of Sagara can be soaked in the holy waters of Ganga River, my forefathers will secure the eternal world of heavens. Apart from that, I also request you to bless me with a heir. Our dynasty should not be destructed due to any reason. Being born in Ikshwaku dynasty, please oblige me with this second boon as well.”

Raghava, Pitamaha of the Universe Brahma told these words, which were pleasing and consisted of attractive letters, to King Bhageeratha, who had pleaded him: 

“Maharaja Bhageeratha, you can make the Ikshwaku dynasty grow. Your desire will be fulfilled. I wish you good luck. This Goddess Ganga is the eldest daughter of Himavanta. She is also popular as Haimavati. As she comes to Earth from the Divine World in the form of a deluge, please request Lord Ishwara to withstand her force. Goddess Earth will not be able to bear the flood-like fall of Ganga. Only spear-beholding Shiva is capable of holding her. None else can bear her. Therefore, offer prayer to him only.” 

Brahma, the originator of universe, asked Goddess Ganga to sanction the appeal of Bhageeratha, consoled Bhageeratha and returned to his World, along with deities and the groups of Marut.