Shloka 61
The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power
उपदेक्ष्यसि मन्मंत्रं स मुक्तो भविता शिव । अंतकाले मनुष्याणां छिद्यमानेषु कर्मसु ॥ ६१ ॥
upadekṣyasi manmaṃtraṃ sa mukto bhavitā śiva | aṃtakāle manuṣyāṇāṃ chidyamāneṣu karmasu || 61 ||
హే శివా! నీవు అతనికి నా మంత్రాన్ని ఉపదేశిస్తే అతడు ముక్తుడవుతాడు—అంత్యకాలంలో, మనుష్యుల కర్మబంధాలు ఛేదింపబడుతున్న వేళ।
Narada (narrative voice within Uttara-Bhaga; exhortation addressed to Śiva)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes that mantra-upadeśa (receiving and being established in a sacred mantra) can grant mokṣa, especially at antakāla—when karmic bonds are being severed and the soul transitions.
By centering liberation on receiving “my mantra,” the verse points to devoted refuge in the Lord through mantra and remembrance—Bhakti expressed as surrender and continuous connection culminating at death.
It highlights mantra-upadeśa as a practical discipline of sacred recitation and transmission (linked with Śikṣā for correct pronunciation and ritual application), stressing timely initiation and practice for antakāla efficacy.