Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 13
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
Par le seul contact de l’eau du Gange avec les cendres de leurs corps brûlés, les fils de Sagara furent élevés au ciel ; combien plus grand sera donc le fruit de celui qui, d’un vœu ferme et avec foi, sert et vénère la Déesse Gaṅgā !
FAQs
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.