This refers to the frequent ablutions of gods etc. in Bhagirathi in spite of their being used to bathing in the heavenly Ganga indicating thereby the excessive sanctifying power of the Ganga on the earth compared to that of the heavenly Ganga. The word ‘bhrashta’ literally means ‘fallen’. The Ganga ‘fell’ from heaven on to earth and in the process she came in contact with lord Siva. The special sanctifying power of Bhagirathi is due to her contact with the holy head of Siva. Hence although the word ‘bhrashta’ might indicate that the sanctity of the river had almost vanished, in this case it did not do so. On the contrary the contact with the earth made the river holier. Hence Apastamba observes, “One should restrain oneself from sipping the water on the earth”.
[The word ‘gatapraayatya’ here appears to be a misprint for gatapraayatva].
Sarga-43
Sanctifying power of Ganga 1.43.1-27
This refers to the frequent ablutions of gods etc. in Bhagirathi in spite of their being used to bathing in the heavenly Ganga indicating thereby the excessive sanctifying power of the Ganga on the earth compared to that of the heavenly Ganga. The word ‘bhrashta’ literally means ‘fallen’. The Ganga ‘fell’ from heaven on to earth and in the process she came in contact with lord Siva. The special sanctifying power of Bhagirathi is due to her contact with the holy head of Siva. Hence although the word ‘bhrashta’ might indicate that the sanctity of the river had almost vanished, in this case it did not do so. On the contrary the contact with the earth made the river holier. Hence Apastamba observes, “One should restrain oneself from sipping the water on the earth”.
[The word ‘gatapraayatya’ here appears to be a misprint for gatapraayatva].