The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā (Kāṣṭhīlā-ākhyāna) within the Mohinī Narrative
निर्जगाम दुरंताशा ददर्श द्विजसत्तमम् । रूपयौवनसंयुक्तं विद्यारत्नविभूषितम् ॥ १०४ ॥
nirjagāma duraṃtāśā dadarśa dvijasattamam | rūpayauvanasaṃyuktaṃ vidyāratnavibhūṣitam || 104 ||
निर्जगाम सा दुरन्ताशा, ददर्श द्विजसत्तमम्। रूपयौवनसम्पन्नं विद्यारत्नविभूषितम्॥
Suta (narrator) describing the episode within the Tirtha-Mahatmya narration
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
The verse highlights the Purāṇic ideal of a true dvija—one who is not merely outwardly impressive but is chiefly “ornamented” by vidyā (sacred learning), implying that knowledge and dharmic refinement are the real marks of excellence encountered in a tīrtha narrative.
While Bhakti is not named directly, the narrative tone supports Bhakti culture: pilgrims and householders are taught to recognize and honor saintly, learned persons at sacred places—service to such dvijas is a common Purāṇic support for devotion and inner purification.
The verse praises vidyā in general; in Narada Purana’s technical spirit, this points to disciplined śāstric learning (including Vedāṅga-based study such as Vyākaraṇa and related scriptural education) as the “jewel” that truly adorns a Brahmin.