Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 51
गङ्गामाहात्म्य — The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
वशिष्ठस्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा सुप्रीतो मुनिसत्तमः । कराभ्यां सगरस्याङ्गं स्पृशन्निदमुवाच ह ॥ ५१ ॥
vaśiṣṭhastadvacaḥ śrutvā suprīto munisattamaḥ | karābhyāṃ sagarasyāṅgaṃ spṛśannidamuvāca ha || 51 ||
Als Vasishtha — der erhabenste unter den Weisen — diese Worte hörte, war er überaus erfreut. Er berührte Sagaras Leib mit beiden Händen und sprach dann wie folgt.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Vasiṣṭha’s action and speech)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights the sanctifying power of a realized sage: Vasiṣṭha’s pleased response and touch indicate grace (anugraha) that prepares the seeker/king for the instruction that follows.
Indirectly, it shows a core bhakti principle—humility and receptivity before a saint. The sage’s satisfaction suggests that sincere words and attitude draw divine-like compassion through the guru.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught in this verse; it functions as a narrative transition marking the start of Vasiṣṭha’s forthcoming instruction.