Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 22
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
Gaṅgāmāhātmya
सद्धर्मवक्तुः पदसंभवां मृदं गङ्गोद्भवां चैव तथा तुलस्याः । मूलोद्भवां भक्तियुतो मनुष्यो धृत्वा शिरस्येति पदं च विष्णोः ॥ २२ ॥
saddharmavaktuḥ padasaṃbhavāṃ mṛdaṃ gaṅgodbhavāṃ caiva tathā tulasyāḥ | mūlodbhavāṃ bhaktiyuto manuṣyo dhṛtvā śirasyeti padaṃ ca viṣṇoḥ || 22 ||
O homem dotado de bhakti deve colocar sobre a cabeça a terra sagrada nascida das pegadas do pregador do verdadeiro dharma, a terra proveniente do Gaṅgā e a terra da raiz da Tulasī; assim alcança o estado (morada) de Viṣṇu.
Narada (in instruction within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that devotion expressed through reverence for holy persons, the Gaṅgā, and tulasī becomes a purifying practice that supports attainment of Viṣṇu’s abode (viṣṇoḥ padam).
Bhakti is shown as both inner faith and outward sādhana: honoring dharma-teachers and sacred Vaiṣṇava symbols (Gaṅgā and tulasī) as acts of surrender that orient the devotee toward Viṣṇu.
Ritual discipline (kalpa/ācāra) is implied: using sanctified substances in a prescribed manner (placing on the head) as part of devotional observance, emphasizing correct practice alongside devotion.