Shloka 14
Bhagīratha Brings Gaṅgā; Saudāsa’s Curse; Khaṭvāṅga’s Instant Renunciation
न ह्येतत् परमाश्चर्यं स्वर्धुन्या यदिहोदितम् । अनन्तचरणाम्भोजप्रसूताया भवच्छिद: ॥ १४ ॥
na hy etat param āścaryaṁ svardhunyā yad ihoditam ananta-caraṇāmbhoja- prasūtāyā bhava-cchidaḥ
येथे गंगेबद्दल जे सांगितले आहे ते काही परम आश्चर्य नाही; कारण ती अनंतदेव भगवंतांच्या चरणकमलातून प्रकट होऊन भवबंधन छेदते।
It has actually been seen that anyone who regularly worships mother Ganges simply by bathing in her water keeps very good health and gradually becomes a devotee of the Lord. This is the effect of bathing in the water of the Ganges. Bathing in the Ganges is recommended in all Vedic śāstras, and one who takes to this path will certainly be completely freed from all sinful reactions. The practical example of this is that the sons of Mahārāja Sagara went to the heavenly planets when water from the Ganges merely touched the ashes of their burnt bodies.
FAQs
This verse says Gaṅgā is not ordinary because she originates from the Lord’s lotus feet (Ananta) and therefore has the potency to destroy bhava—material bondage.
Because her greatness naturally follows from her divine origin: being born from the Supreme Lord’s lotus feet, her purifying and liberating power is to be expected.
Remember the Lord as the source of all purification, and approach sacred practices (like tīrtha, mantra, and bhakti) with faith that genuine connection to Bhagavān cleanses the heart and loosens material attachment.