Shloka 44
Kāṣṭhīla-Upākhyāna: Rākṣasī, Spear-Śakti, and Kāśī as Śakti-kṣetra
स कथं गाधिजाशप्तस्तिर्यग्योनिमुपागमत् । यो दमित्वा विभुर्विंध्यं वातापिं सागरं स्थितः ॥ ४४ ॥
sa kathaṃ gādhijāśaptastiryagyonimupāgamat | yo damitvā vibhurviṃdhyaṃ vātāpiṃ sāgaraṃ sthitaḥ || 44 ||
ガーディの子に呪われたあの大いなる力者は、いかにして畜生の胎に生を受けたのか。ヴィンディヤ山を鎮め、ヴァーターピを抑え、海さえも静止させた者であるのに。
Narada (narration within the tirtha-mahatmya dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta (wonder)
Secondary Rasa: shanta (peace)
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic principle that even extraordinary power and achievements can be overturned by the force of śāpa and karma, urging humility and reliance on dharma and inner purity rather than pride in siddhis.
By contrasting worldly might with the sudden fall caused by a curse, the verse implicitly points to bhakti as the steadier refuge—devotion to the Supreme is portrayed across Purāṇic narratives as what ultimately protects and uplifts when external powers fail.
The verse chiefly illustrates dharma-kathā (ethical narrative) rather than a technical Vedāṅga; practically, it reinforces the discipline of vāṅmaya-saṃyama (careful speech and conduct), since śāpa and its effects are tied to moral-ritual order emphasized in Kalpa (ritual-dharma) traditions.