The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā (Kāṣṭhīlā-ākhyāna) within the Mohinī Narrative
निर्जगाम दुरंताशा ददर्श द्विजसत्तमम् । रूपयौवनसंयुक्तं विद्यारत्नविभूषितम् ॥ १०४ ॥
nirjagāma duraṃtāśā dadarśa dvijasattamam | rūpayauvanasaṃyuktaṃ vidyāratnavibhūṣitam || 104 ||
Alors la femme aux désirs insatiables sortit et vit le meilleur des brahmanes, doté de beauté et de jeunesse, et orné du joyau de la connaissance.
Suta (narrator) describing the episode within the Tirtha-Mahatmya narration
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
The verse highlights the Purāṇic ideal of a true dvija—one who is not merely outwardly impressive but is chiefly “ornamented” by vidyā (sacred learning), implying that knowledge and dharmic refinement are the real marks of excellence encountered in a tīrtha narrative.
While Bhakti is not named directly, the narrative tone supports Bhakti culture: pilgrims and householders are taught to recognize and honor saintly, learned persons at sacred places—service to such dvijas is a common Purāṇic support for devotion and inner purification.
The verse praises vidyā in general; in Narada Purana’s technical spirit, this points to disciplined śāstric learning (including Vedāṅga-based study such as Vyākaraṇa and related scriptural education) as the “jewel” that truly adorns a Brahmin.