Viswamitra guides Rama and Lakshmana to the sacred Ganga, revealing its divine origin as Himavan's daughter. Discover the mystical journey of Ganga across three worlds. 

Viswamitra Narrates the Legend of Sacred Ganga (Shlokas 1.35.1 - 1.35.24)

The Journey Begins (Shlokas 1.35.1 - 1.35.4)

Viswamitra (a great sage) and his companions, including Rama and Lakshmana, spent the night on the banks of the river Sona. At dawn, Viswamitra addressed Rama:

"Rama, the night has given way to a beautiful dawn. It's time for our morning rituals. Rise, and may this day bring you prosperity. Let's prepare for our onward journey."

Hearing these words, Rama performed his morning oblations and prepared for the journey. He then asked Viswamitra:

"O knower of Brahman (the ultimate reality), the Sona river before us has auspicious waters adorned with sandbanks, yet it's deep. Which way shall we cross?"

Crossing the Sona and Reaching the Ganga (Shlokas 1.35.5 - 1.35.10)

Viswamitra replied, "We shall take the path that other ascetics have used before."

Following Viswamitra's guidance, the group journeyed onwards, observing various forests along the way. After traveling a considerable distance for half a day, they came upon the Jahnavi river (another name for the Ganga), the most revered among rivers, frequented by ascetics.

The sight of the sacred Ganga, with swans and cranes gracing its waters, filled all the sages, including Rama and Lakshmana, with joy.

They made camp on the riverbank and performed several rituals:

1. They carried out ritual ablutions.

2. They offered oblations to their ancestors.

3. They conducted fire sacrifices.

After partaking in the sacred offerings, they gathered around the illustrious Viswamitra on the holy banks of the Jahnavi.

Rama's Curiosity about the Ganga (Shlokas 1.35.11 - 1.35.13)

Intrigued by the river's significance, Rama addressed Viswamitra:

"Venerable sage, I wish to learn about the Ganga, the river that flows in three directions (through the heavens, earth, and the netherworld). How did it come to occupy the three worlds before reaching the sea, the lord of all rivers?"

Prompted by Rama's inquiry, the great sage Viswamitra began to narrate the story of Ganga's birth and her remarkable journey.

The Daughters of Himavan (Shlokas 1.35.14 - 1.35.22)

Viswamitra began, "O Rama, the great mountain Himavan (the personification of the Himalayas) is a treasure trove of minerals and the king of mountains. He had two daughters of unrivaled beauty in this world. Their mother was Manorama, the lovely daughter of Mount Meru and Himavan's beloved wife.

The elder daughter born to them was Ganga, and the younger was known as Uma. All the gods, seeking to fulfill a divine purpose, approached the mountain king and proposed that he give them his eldest daughter, Ganga, who flows in three directions.

Himavan, adhering to his duty (dharma) and with the intention of benefiting the three worlds, gifted his eldest daughter Ganga, who purifies the whole world as she flows freely. The gods, delighted with this gift that would bring good to the three worlds, took Ganga and departed with a sense of fulfillment.

Meanwhile, the younger daughter, Uma, devoted herself to severe austerities (tapas), accumulating spiritual wealth. Impressed by her intense devotion, Himavan gave Uma, revered by the whole world, in marriage to the unparalleled Rudra (another name for Shiva).

Thus, O Rama, Ganga, the holiest of rivers, and Uma, the goddess, are the two daughters of the mountain king Himavan, both worshipped by the entire world."

Ganga's Ascent to the Heavens (Shlokas 1.35.23 - 1.35.24)

Viswamitra concluded, "O Rama, best among those with a marvelous gait, I have now related to you how the three-way flowing river Ganga first reached the sky. This divine and beautiful river, daughter of Himavan, free from sins and carrying a large volume of water, ascended to the heavens."

Thus ends the thirty fifth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.