Shloka 5
Kāṣṭhīla-Upākhyāna: Rākṣasī, Spear-Śakti, and Kāśī as Śakti-kṣetra
रक्तचंदनलिप्तांगी रक्तवस्त्रोपशोभिता । हृदि तस्य निपत्यासौ शक्तिर्विप्रकरच्युता ॥ ५ ॥
raktacaṃdanaliptāṃgī raktavastropaśobhitā | hṛdi tasya nipatyāsau śaktirviprakaracyutā || 5 ||
रक्तचन्दनलिप्ताङ्गी रक्तवस्त्रोपशोभिता; सा शक्तिर्विप्रकरच्युता तस्य हृदि निपपात।
Suta (narrator) presenting the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha narrative
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"adbhuta (wonder)","secondary_rasa":"vira (heroic)","emotional_journey":"Sensuous, vivid description (red sandal, red garments) heightens fascination, then turns sharply to impact as the Śakti falls upon the target’s heart."}
FAQs
It depicts sacred power (śakti) as a tangible, potent force: once it departs proper control (slipping from the brāhmaṇa’s hand), it immediately impacts the heart—signaling karmic consequence and the seriousness of handling divine energies within tirtha narratives.
Indirectly, it underscores reverence and surrender: divine power is not merely symbolic but living and effective, encouraging devotees to approach holy rites with humility, purity, and reliance on the Lord’s grace rather than personal control.
Ritual discipline (Kalpa) is implied: correct handling of sacred implements/energies and adherence to procedural purity are essential, since a lapse can produce immediate spiritual and physical consequences within a rite.