The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
नाम्ना मित्रसहस्त्वं हि सूर्यवंशसमुद्भवः । न राक्षसस्ततोऽनाथां पाहि मां विजने वने ॥ ५६ ॥
nāmnā mitrasahastvaṃ hi sūryavaṃśasamudbhavaḥ | na rākṣasastato'nāthāṃ pāhi māṃ vijane vane || 56 ||
ଆପଣଙ୍କ ନାମ ‘ମିତ୍ରସହ’—ସହସ୍ରଙ୍କ ମିତ୍ର, ଏବଂ ଆପଣ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟବଂଶଜ। ଆପଣ ରାକ୍ଷସ ନୁହନ୍ତି; ତେଣୁ ଏହି ନିର୍ଜନ ବନରେ ଅନାଥ ମୋତେ ରକ୍ଷା କରନ୍ତୁ।
A distressed woman/supplicant (addressing a Solar-dynasty hero/king named Mitrasaha)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: vira
It highlights dharma as protective compassion: a righteous person—especially one of royal duty—must shelter the helpless, and true nobility is measured by safeguarding those without refuge.
Though not explicitly naming Vishnu, the verse models śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge): the helpless appeal to a trustworthy protector—an ethical pattern that bhakti later elevates into taking refuge in Bhagavan.
No specific Vedanga (Śikṣā, Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, etc.) is taught directly; the practical takeaway is dharma-nīti—recognizing rightful conduct and the obligation to protect dependents.