Gaṅgā-māhātmya: Bāhu’s Envy, Defeat, Forest Exile, and Aurva’s Dharmic Consolation
पत्युः कृतक्रिया सा तु गत्वाश्रमपदं मुनेः । चकार तस्य शुश्रूषां सपत्न्या सह नारद ॥ ७६ ॥
patyuḥ kṛtakriyā sā tu gatvāśramapadaṃ muneḥ | cakāra tasya śuśrūṣāṃ sapatnyā saha nārada || 76 ||
पति की अंत्येष्टि-क्रिया करके वह स्त्री मुनि के आश्रम में गई; और हे नारद, अपनी सौतन के साथ उसने उनकी सेवा-शुश्रूषा की।
Suta (narrator)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
It links two pillars of dharma—proper rites for the departed (kṛta-kriyā) and humble service to a sage (śuśrūṣā)—showing that ritual duty and disciplined ashram-life together refine character and spiritual merit.
While not naming a deity directly, it highlights śuśrūṣā (reverent service) in a muni’s āśrama, a classic bhakti-aligned discipline where humility, obedience, and service prepare the heart for devotion and higher instruction.
The verse points to kalpa/ritual practice in the form of kṛta-kriyā—performance of prescribed rites for the husband—indicating the importance of correct procedure and dharmic observance before entering sustained ashram service.