Shloka 29
Tīrtha-Sevana and the Cursed Apsaras
Grāha-Encounter at Saubhadra Tīrtha
ततस्तौ तु जटा भित्त्वा मौलिनौ सम्बभूवतु: । महाहाभरणोपेतौ विरजो<म्बरधारिणौ,तदनन्तर उन्होंने जटाएँ कटाकर मस्तकपर मुकुट धारण कर लिये और बहुमूल्य आभूषण तथा निर्मल वस्त्र धारण करके ऐसा प्रकाश फैलाया, मानो असमयमें ही चाँदनी छिटक गयी हो और सर्वदा दिन-रात एकरस रहने लगी हो। उनके सभी सगे-सम्बन्धी सदा आमोद-प्रमोदमें डूबे रहते थे
tatastau tu jaṭā bhittvā maulinau sambabhūvatuḥ | mahāhābharaṇopetau virajo’mbara-dhāriṇau ||
Then the two of them cut off their matted locks and appeared with crowns upon their heads. Adorned with splendid ornaments and wearing spotless garments, they shone forth with a radiance—as if untimely moonlight had suddenly spread and day and night had become uniformly bright.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an outward transformation—shifting from ascetic appearance (jaṭā) to royal splendor (crown, ornaments, pure garments)—as a sign of renewed social order and auspiciousness; it suggests that inner purpose can manifest through appropriate external roles, bringing collective joy to one’s community.
Narada describes two individuals who cut their matted hair, don crowns, and appear magnificently adorned in pure clothing, radiating beauty and auspicious light; as a result, their relatives and kin live in continuous celebration and happiness.