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 ||
Al oír esas palabras, Vasiṣṭha—el más excelso de los sabios—quedó muy complacido. Tocando el cuerpo de Sagara con ambas manos, dijo entonces lo siguiente.
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.