Shloka 23
Omens and Consolation after Loss; Reaffirmation of the Saindhava Punishment Vow (उत्पात-दर्शनम्, आश्वासन-वाक्यानि, प्रतिज्ञा-स्थैर्यम्)
पज्चगज्जासु सा पुण्या कन्या वेतसकेषु च । तपोविशेषैर्बहुभि: कर्षयद् देहमात्मन:,उस पवित्र कन्याने पंचगंगामें तथा वेतसवनमें बहुत-सी भिन्न-भिन्न तपस्याओंद्वारा अपने शरीरको अत्यन्त दुर्बल कर दिया
pañcagaṅgāsu sā puṇyā kanyā vetasakeṣu ca | tapoviśeṣair bahubhiḥ karṣayad deham ātmanaḥ ||
पञ्चगङ्गासु सा पुण्या कन्या वेतसकेषु च । तपोविशेषैर्बहुभिः कर्षयद् देहमात्मनः ॥
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores tapas (austerity) as a disciplined, purposeful practice: sincere spiritual resolve may demand bodily hardship, but it is framed as a meritorious act aimed at purification and attainment of a higher end.
Nārada describes a virtuous maiden performing many kinds of severe austerities at sacred locations—Pañcagaṅgā and the Vetasa groves—so intensely that her body becomes extremely emaciated.