The Story of King Sagara and the 60,000 Sons (Final)

King Bhagiratha's quest to bring Ganga to Earth culminates in divine blessings. Witness the liberation of Sagara's sons and the birth of Bhagirathi in this epic tale of devotion and redemption. 

King Bhagiratha's Rites and Ganga's Descent (Shlokas 1.44.1 - 1.44.7)

King Bhagiratha, accompanied by the river Ganga, reached the ocean. He entered the netherworld where his ancestors, the sons of Sagara, had been reduced to ashes.

As Ganga's waters inundated the ashes, Brahma (the creator god) appeared before King Bhagiratha and said:

"O best among men, the 60,000 sons of the illustrious Sagara are now liberated. They have ascended to heaven like gods. As long as the ocean's waters remain on Earth, Sagara's sons will dwell in heaven as deities.

Ganga will become your eldest daughter. From now on, she will be renowned in this world by your name as Bhagirathi. O King, divine Ganga will also be called Tripathaga (one who flows in three paths) because she flows through:

• Heaven

• Earth

• The netherworld (Patala)"

Brahma's Instructions to Bhagiratha (Shlokas 1.44.8 - 1.44.14)

Brahma continued: "O King, perform the water offerings here for all your ancestors and fulfill your vow. This desire remained unfulfilled by your renowned ancestors:

1. Your righteous forefather (Sagara)

2. Anshuman, despite his unparalleled prowess

3. Your father Dilipa, who possessed the virtues of a royal saint (rajarshi) and the splendor of a great sage (maharshi)

But you, O best among men, have achieved what they could not. You have earned supreme renown in this world. By bringing Ganga to Earth, you have secured a great place in dharma (righteousness).

O tiger among men, immerse yourself in these eternal sacred waters. Purify yourself and acquire holiness."

Completion of Rites and Bhagiratha's Return (Shlokas 1.44.15 - 1.44.19)

Brahma instructed: "Perform the water rites for all your forefathers. Farewell. I shall return to my realm now. You may go back to your kingdom."

Having spoken thus, Brahma, the Grandsire of all worlds and renowned lord of the gods, returned to heaven.

King Bhagiratha, the royal sage, then:

1. Performed the highest water rites for Sagara's sons, following proper order and tradition

2. Completed the purifying ablutions

3. Returned to his city

4. Continued to rule his kingdom, his purpose fulfilled

The world rejoiced in Bhagiratha's reign. Free from mental afflictions and sorrows, he lived happily ever after.

The Significance of Ganga's Story (Shlokas 1.44.20 - 1.44.23)

Vishwamitra concludes: "O Rama, I have related the detailed story of Ganga. Evening approaches; we shall perform our ablutions. Farewell.

This story bestows:

• Prosperity

• Fame

• Longevity

• Progeny

• A path to heaven

One who recites this tale of Ganga's descent to Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and others will please both their forefathers and the gods.

O Rama, whoever listens to this auspicious story with concentration will:

• Achieve all their desires

• Have their sins destroyed

• Increase their longevity and fame"

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