Shloka 29
The Greatness of the Revā (Narmadā): Release from the Piśāca Curse
नारद उवाच । एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य लोमशस्य पिशाचकाः । तेन सार्द्धं ययुः शीघ्रं रेवामज्जनहेतवे
nārada uvāca | etacchrutvā vacastasya lomaśasya piśācakāḥ | tena sārddhaṃ yayuḥ śīghraṃ revāmajjanahetave
नारद म्हणाले—लोमशाचे ते वचन ऐकून पिशाचगण रेवेतील स्नानाच्या हेतूने त्याच्यासह शीघ्र निघून गेले।
Nārada
Concept: Śravaṇa (hearing sacred discourse) catalyzes transformation and leads beings toward purifying contact with the sacred.
Application: Listen regularly to dharma-kathā; let inspired hearing translate into immediate action (a small pilgrimage, a vow, a cleansing habit).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a forest clearing near the river route, the sage Lomaśa speaks with calm authority while a cluster of piśācas—dark, gaunt figures—pause, visibly softened by the sound of dharma. In the next moment, they hurry along a path lined with flowering trees toward the shimmering Revā, their shadows thinning as hope rises.","primary_figures":["Nārada (as narrator presence)","Lomaśa Ṛṣi","Piśācas (repentant)","Revā-devī (distant, beckoning)"],"setting":"Woodland path leading to Narmadā ghats; small hermitage elements (kusha grass seat, water pot) near Lomaśa.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["deep umber","moss green","river-aqua","ash gray","warm amber"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Lomaśa seated with kamandalu and palm-leaf manuscript, speaking; piśācas in stylized dark tones with softened expressions moving toward a distant glittering Revā; ornate gold leaf highlights on the river and sage’s halo, rich reds/greens, traditional iconographic framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: gentle forest scene with delicate foliage, Lomaśa instructing, piśācas rendered with restraint and pathos rather than horror, a winding path to the blue river; fine brushwork, lyrical naturalism, muted earth palette with bright river accents.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold-outlined Lomaśa with serene eyes, piśācas in patterned dark greens/browns turning toward the river band, narrative panels feel; strong reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall storytelling composition.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: narrative tableau with decorative borders, Lomaśa as central teacher figure, piśācas arranged symmetrically moving toward a stylized blue Revā ribbon with lotus motifs; intricate floral patterns, deep indigo background with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["forest birds","footsteps on path","rustling leaves","distant river murmur","soft bell at hermitage"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: etacchrutvā = etat śrutvā; vacastasya = vacaḥ tasya; revāmajjanahetave = revā-majjana-hetave
FAQs
It presents Revā as a powerful sacred river where even impure or afflicted beings seek purification through ritual bathing (tīrtha-snāna).
They are persuaded by Lomaśa’s words and accompany him specifically to perform bathing in the Revā, implying hope for cleansing or spiritual benefit.
The verse suggests that transformative acts (like tīrtha bathing undertaken with guidance) are accessible even to fallen beings, emphasizing reform through right association and sacred practice.