Shloka 31
The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power
श्राद्धेषु प्रीणयिष्यंति तेषां लोकास्तु भास्वराः । ब्रह्महा योऽभिगच्छेत्तु अविमुक्तं कदाचन ॥ ३१ ॥
śrāddheṣu prīṇayiṣyaṃti teṣāṃ lokāstu bhāsvarāḥ | brahmahā yo'bhigacchettu avimuktaṃ kadācana || 31 ||
श्राद्धैस्ते प्रीणयिष्यन्ति, तेषां लोकाश्च भास्वराः स्युः। ब्रह्महा अपि यः कदाचन अविमुक्तं अभिगच्छेत्, तत्र पावनत्वेन विमुच्यते॥
Narada (teaching in the Avimukta/Kashi Mahatmya context; traditional dialogue framework with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"adbhuta","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_journey":"From the gentle promise of ancestral gratification and radiant posthumous states to wonder at Avimukta’s power to uplift even a brahma-hā (brāhmaṇa-slayer)."}
FAQs
It links two powers: śrāddha properly performed brings satisfaction to the Pitṛs and elevates their realms, and Avimukta (Kāśī) is presented as a uniquely purifying tīrtha whose sanctity can uplift even those burdened by grave sin.
By emphasizing sacred place-mahātmyas and duty toward ancestors, it frames devotion as lived dharma—honoring Pitṛs through śrāddha and seeking refuge in a holy kṣetra associated with liberation.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implied through the śrāddha context—proper performance of ancestral rites and the dharmic understanding of tīrtha-yātrā as a form of purification (prāyaścitta).