Shloka 88
Kāṣṭhīla-Upākhyāna: Rākṣasī, Spear-Śakti, and Kāśī as Śakti-kṣetra
ततः सा राक्षसी सर्वं संप्रगृह्य गुहाधनम् । करेणुरूपिणी भूत्वा पृष्ठे कृत्वा पतिं मम ॥ ८८ ॥
tataḥ sā rākṣasī sarvaṃ saṃpragṛhya guhādhanam | kareṇurūpiṇī bhūtvā pṛṣṭhe kṛtvā patiṃ mama || 88 ||
ततः सा राक्षसी सर्वं गुहायां निहितं धनं सम्यक् संप्रगृह्य, करेणुरूपिणी भूत्वा मम पतिं पृष्ठे कृत्वा जगाम ॥
Unnamed female narrator (speaking in first person: 'mama') within the Adhyaya’s tirtha-mahatmya story-frame
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"adbhuta","secondary_rasa":"bhayanaka","emotional_journey":"A sudden, uncanny transformation (rākṣasī to elephant) turns danger and suspense into astonished forward motion."}
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic motif of māyā and shape-shifting power used for worldly gain—contrasting hidden wealth and dramatic escape with the higher aim of tirtha narratives: purification and right conduct (dharma) over mere possession.
Indirectly, it sets a narrative backdrop where extraordinary power and material treasure appear impressive, yet the Uttara-Bhāga’s tirtha focus ultimately points the listener toward reliance on dharma and devotion rather than fear, force, or greed.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, or Kalpa ritual procedure) is taught in this verse; it functions primarily as narrative description within a mahatmya episode.