Shloka 14
The Greatness of Bathing in the Ganges
Gaṅgā-snānā-mahātmya
पततो नरके गङ्गा स्मृता दूरात्समुद्धरेत् । योजनानां सहस्रेषु गंगां स्मरति यो नरः ॥ १४ ॥
patato narake gaṅgā smṛtā dūrātsamuddharet | yojanānāṃ sahasreṣu gaṃgāṃ smarati yo naraḥ || 14 ||
નરકમાં પડતો માણસ પણ ગંગાનું સ્મરણ કરે તો ગંગા તેને દૂરથી જ ઉદ્ધારે છે. જે મનુષ્ય હજારો યોજન દૂરથી પણ ગંગાને સ્મરે છે, તે મુક્ત થાય છે.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahatmya context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Gaṅgā is not only a physical tirtha but a salvific divine power: even mere remembrance (smaraṇa) of Gaṅgā can counteract extreme downfall (symbolized by “falling into hell”) and bring spiritual uplift.
The verse emphasizes smaraṇa—devotional remembrance—as an effective bhakti-practice: heartfelt recollection of a sacred embodiment of grace (Gaṅgā) is presented as potent even without physical proximity.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is tirtha-smaraṇa as a simple sādhanā—remembering Gaṅgā as a purifying act when travel or ritual performance is not possible.