Shloka 22
The Description of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya): Avimukta, Kapālamocana, and Śiva’s Purification
एषा घोरतरा हत्या मीनगंध्या जरातुरा । लेलिहाना सुरेशान ग्रहीतुं त्वानुधावति ॥ २२ ॥
eṣā ghoratarā hatyā mīnagaṃdhyā jarāturā | lelihānā sureśāna grahītuṃ tvānudhāvati || 22 ||
يا ربّ الآلهة، إن هذه الخطيئة الأشدّ فظاعة، خطيئة القتل—نتنة كرائحة السمك وبالية من طول الأمد—تندفع خلفك، تلعق شفتيها، قاصدةً أن تقبض عليك.
Narrator (Purana dialogue context; addressing Indra as sureśāna)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
The verse personifies grave sin (hatyā) as an inescapable pursuer, teaching that harmful karma clings to the doer until it is neutralized through dharma, repentance, and purifying means such as tirtha, vrata, and devotion.
By showing sin as actively “seizing” the soul, it implies the need for a higher refuge; in the Narada Purana’s spirit, steadfast Vishnu-bhakti—supported by vows and holy observances—functions as a protective, purifying force against the consequences of papa.
The verse mainly highlights dharma-śāstric ethics and the doctrine of karma rather than a specific Vedanga; practically, it supports the prayāścitta framework (ritual atonement and purification disciplines) often applied in tirtha-mahātmya settings.