Shloka 52
The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power
कीटाः पिपीलिकाश्चैव ये चान्ये मृगपक्षिणः । कालेन निधनं प्राप्तास्तेऽपि देवेश्वराः स्मृताः ॥ ५२ ॥
kīṭāḥ pipīlikāścaiva ye cānye mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ | kālena nidhanaṃ prāptāste'pi deveśvarāḥ smṛtāḥ || 52 ||
कीटाः पिपीलिकाश्चान्ये मृगपक्षिणश्च ये; कालेन निधनं प्राप्तास्तेऽपि देवेश्वरत्वेन स्मृताः।
Narada (traditional dialogue frame: Narada instructing within Uttara-Bhaga narratives)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes the Purāṇic principle that divine upliftment is not restricted by species or social status; within a powerful sacred context (often a tīrtha-māhātmya), even the lowest beings can be remembered as attaining exalted post-death states through the force of merit, contact with holiness, and the ripening of karma under Kāla.
By implying that proximity to the sacred (tīrtha, deity, or saintly influence) can transform destiny, it aligns with Bhakti’s inclusive power—devotional association (satsaṅga) and remembrance of the divine can elevate even those lacking formal capacity for ritual or study.
The verse chiefly highlights the doctrine of Kāla (time) governing fruition of karma rather than a specific Vedāṅga practice; indirectly, it supports Dharma-śāstra style reasoning about karmic result (phala) and auspicious circumstances of death described in Purāṇic tīrtha traditions.