Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 148
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
गङ्गा गङ्गेति यन्नाम सकृदप्युच्यते यदा । तदैव पापनिमुक्तो ब्रह्मलोके महीयते ॥ ४८ ॥
gaṅgā gaṅgeti yannāma sakṛdapyucyate yadā | tadaiva pāpanimukto brahmaloke mahīyate || 48 ||
“गंगा, गंगा” हे नाम एकदाही उच्चारले गेले तरी त्या क्षणीच मनुष्य पापमुक्त होऊन ब्रह्मलोकी मान पावतो.
Narada (teaching within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches nāma-mahātmya: even a single sincere utterance of “Gaṅgā” is presented as immediately purifying, indicating the extraordinary sanctity of the tirtha and the potency of sacred remembrance.
By emphasizing spoken remembrance (nāma-ucchāraṇa), the verse aligns with bhakti practice where devotion is expressed through repeated invocation of sacred names, here centered on Gaṅgā as a divine purifier.
It highlights a practical mantra-like application of speech (śikṣā: correct utterance) and devotional recitation—using a sacred name as a simple, accessible purification practice within dharmic living.