Shloka 31
The Greatness of Bathing in the Ganges
Gaṅgā-snānā-mahātmya
व्युष्टिर्भवति या पुंसां न सा क्रतुशतैरपि । अपहत्य तमस्तीव्रं यथा भात्युदये रविः ॥ ३१ ॥
vyuṣṭirbhavati yā puṃsāṃ na sā kratuśatairapi | apahatya tamastīvraṃ yathā bhātyudaye raviḥ || 31 ||
That awakening which arises in people cannot be obtained even by hundreds of sacrificial rites; it shines forth, having dispelled dense darkness, just as the sun shines at dawn.
Narada (instructional narrative voice within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It teaches that true inner awakening (vyuṣṭi)—the rise of liberating insight that destroys ignorance—surpasses mere accumulation of ritual merit and appears like dawn, naturally dispelling darkness.
By implying that external rites alone cannot force spiritual dawn, it points toward inward transformation—commonly fulfilled through sincere devotion, remembrance, and grace—by which tamas (spiritual darkness) is removed.
The verse contrasts kratu (yajña/ritual action—linked to Kalpa Vedāṅga) with inner illumination, underscoring that correct ritual performance is valuable but not a substitute for knowledge and realization.