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Section CVIII - Powerful King Bhagiratha's Austerities for Ganga's Descent

| Posted in: Hinduism Purana

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.

Mahabharata Section CVIII - Powerful King Bhagiratha's Austerities for Ganga's Descent
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Short summary of the chapter:
King Bhagiratha, desiring to secure the salvation of his ancestors who had perished at the hands of Kapila, embarked on a rigorous penance in the Himalayas. Ganga, the divine river, pleased with his devotion, promised to descend to earth to help his forefathers attain heavenly abode. However, she warned Bhagiratha that only Lord Shiva had the power to withstand the force of her descent. Bhagiratha then undertook severe penances to please Lord Shiva and seek his assistance in containing the mighty river. After earning Shiva's favor, he received his blessing and the assurance that Ganga would be sustained by the god's locks as she descended to earth to fulfill Bhagiratha's wish.

By seeking the aid of the divine beings, King Bhagiratha demonstrated his unwavering determination to fulfill his duty towards his ancestors and secure their place in heaven. His selfless devotion and perseverance in performing austerities reflect his noble character and dedication to his royal responsibilities. Ganga, the embodiment of purity and blessings, recognized his sincerity and granted his request to aid his forefathers on their journey to the celestial realms. Lord Shiva, the compassionate deity, acknowledged Bhagiratha's efforts and agreed to support Ganga's descent, showcasing the power of divine intervention and the significance of righteous actions. Through his unwavering faith and determination, Bhagiratha exemplified the virtues of duty, devotion, and compassion towards his ancestors and the divine beings who played a crucial role in his quest for salvation.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CVIII - Powerful King Bhagiratha's Austerities for Ganga's Descent, have a look at the following articles:

Section CVIII, online text

English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.

Read this and other chapters online.

Mahabharata (English Summary)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CVIII:

What was the king's reason for seeking Ganga's help?

The king sought Ganga's help to provide salvation for his ancestors who perished.

How did Ganga respond to the king's request?

Ganga agreed to help but needed Lord Shiva's support to descend.

How did the king obtain Lord Shiva's favor?

The king practiced severe penances and eventually gained Lord Shiva's support.

Daily life: Powerful King Bhagiratha's Austerities for Ganga's Descent:

The tale tells us about King Bhagiratha’s dedication to relieving his ancestors from a curse, showing us the importance of perseverance, respect for one's family, and commitment to fulfilling one’s duties. Bhagiratha's willingness to give up his kingly duties to perform penance in the Himalayas underscores the significance of sacrifice and patience in achieving one's goals. His interaction with the goddess Ganga illustrates the need to approach challenges with humility, seeking assistance and blessings from higher powers or those more capable, acknowledging that some tasks are too grand for us to handle alone.

From Bhagiratha’s example, we can learn that difficult tasks often require not only immense effort but also the strategic involvement of others who can support our cause. This necessitates the building of bridges with people who have the skills or abilities that complement our own. Furthermore, the story conveys that the pursuit of noble goals often involves overcoming daunting obstacles. Bhagiratha’s eventual success, born out of his unwavering focus and the earned support of deity Shiva, highlights the idea that dedication and the right support can lead to the fulfillment of even the most challenging objectives.

Implementing this in daily life means recognizing the value of persistence, respect, and the willingness to undertake sacrifices for the greater good. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and forging collaborations to conquer challenges that seem insurmountable on our own.

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