Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 22
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
Gaṅgāmāhātmya
सद्धर्मवक्तुः पदसंभवां मृदं गङ्गोद्भवां चैव तथा तुलस्याः । मूलोद्भवां भक्तियुतो मनुष्यो धृत्वा शिरस्येति पदं च विष्णोः ॥ २२ ॥
saddharmavaktuḥ padasaṃbhavāṃ mṛdaṃ gaṅgodbhavāṃ caiva tathā tulasyāḥ | mūlodbhavāṃ bhaktiyuto manuṣyo dhṛtvā śirasyeti padaṃ ca viṣṇoḥ || 22 ||
A person endowed with devotion should place upon the head the sacred earth from the footprints of a preacher of true dharma, the earth brought forth from the Gaṅgā, and the earth from the root of the tulasī plant—thus attaining the state (abode) of Viṣṇu.
Narada (in instruction within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that devotion expressed through reverence for holy persons, the Gaṅgā, and tulasī becomes a purifying practice that supports attainment of Viṣṇu’s abode (viṣṇoḥ padam).
Bhakti is shown as both inner faith and outward sādhana: honoring dharma-teachers and sacred Vaiṣṇava symbols (Gaṅgā and tulasī) as acts of surrender that orient the devotee toward Viṣṇu.
Ritual discipline (kalpa/ācāra) is implied: using sanctified substances in a prescribed manner (placing on the head) as part of devotional observance, emphasizing correct practice alongside devotion.