Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
भस्मीभूताङ्गसङ्गेन स्वर्याता: सगरात्मजा: । किं पुन: श्रद्धया देवीं सेवन्ते ये धृतव्रता: ॥ १३ ॥
bhasmībhūtāṅga-saṅgena svar yātāḥ sagarātmajāḥ kiṁ punaḥ śraddhayā devīṁ sevante ye dhṛta-vratāḥ
Con solo entrar en contacto el agua del Ganges con las cenizas de sus cuerpos quemados, los hijos de Sagara fueron elevados al cielo; ¿cuánto mayor será, entonces, el fruto para quien, con voto firme y fe, sirve y venera a la Diosa Gaṅgā?
This verse states that even mere contact with Gaṅgā’s body granted Sagara’s sons a heavenly destination, implying that faithful worship by disciplined devotees yields still greater spiritual benefit.
He uses their deliverance as a comparison to emphasize Gaṅgā’s extraordinary sanctity—if accidental contact helped those reduced to ashes, intentional service with faith is even more potent.
Approach sacred practices with śraddhā (faith) and dhṛta-vrata (steady discipline)—regular worship, remembrance, and purity of conduct—rather than relying on occasional or accidental spirituality.