Shloka 33
The Greatness of Bathing in the Ganges
Gaṅgā-snānā-mahātmya
अश्वमेधफलं मर्त्यो गंगायां लभते ध्रुवम् । अनेकजन्मसंभूतं पुंसः पापं प्रणश्यति ॥ ३३ ॥
aśvamedhaphalaṃ martyo gaṃgāyāṃ labhate dhruvam | anekajanmasaṃbhūtaṃ puṃsaḥ pāpaṃ praṇaśyati || 33 ||
மர்த்தியன் கங்கையில் நிச்சயமாக அஸ்வமேத யாகத்தின் பலனை அடைகிறான்; பல பிறவிகளில் சேர்த்த பாவங்கள் அழிகின்றன.
Narada (within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue framework; Ganga Mahatmya narration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It declares the Gaṅgā as a supreme tīrtha: contact with her (especially through sacred bathing and reverent observance) grants extraordinary merit comparable to major Vedic sacrifices and removes deeply accumulated karmic impurity.
By elevating the Gaṅgā as a divinely potent presence, the verse supports bhakti through reverent approach—faith, humility, and worshipful engagement with a sacred manifestation connected to dharma and purification.
Ritual application (Kalpa) is implied: the verse contrasts large-scale śrauta yajña merit (Aśvamedha) with tīrtha-based prayāścitta practices such as Gaṅgā-snānā and purification rites.