Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 124
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
पृथिव्यां यानि तीर्थानि पवित्राणि द्विजोत्तम् । तानि सर्वाणि गङ्गायाः कणस्यापि समानि न ॥ २४ ॥
pṛthivyāṃ yāni tīrthāni pavitrāṇi dvijottam | tāni sarvāṇi gaṅgāyāḥ kaṇasyāpi samāni na || 24 ||
Ô meilleur des deux-fois-nés : tous les tīrtha saints et purificateurs de la terre ne valent pas même une seule parcelle du fleuve Gaṅgā.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Purva Bhaga dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It declares Gaṅgā’s purifying power as unparalleled—surpassing the collective sanctity of all other earthly tīrthas—thus elevating devotion, contact, and remembrance of Gaṅgā as exceptionally merit-giving.
By exalting Gaṅgā as uniquely holy, it supports bhakti expressed through reverent association—such as honoring sacred waters, performing snāna with faith, and cultivating remembrance—where inner श्रद्धा (faith) is central to receiving spiritual benefit.
Ritual practice (kalpa-oriented conduct) is implied: tīrtha-snānā and pilgrimage as dharmic means of purification; the verse prioritizes Gaṅgā-related rites as especially efficacious among sanctifying observances.