Shloka 21
The Description of the Greatness of the Gaṅgā
गंगांभः कणदिग्धस्य वायोः संस्पर्शनादपि । पापशीला अपि नराः परां गतिमवाप्नुयुः ॥ २२ ॥
gaṃgāṃbhaḥ kaṇadigdhasya vāyoḥ saṃsparśanādapi | pāpaśīlā api narāḥ parāṃ gatimavāpnuyuḥ || 22 ||
Kahit sa pagdampi lamang sa hanging nabasa ng mga patak ng tubig ng Gaṅgā, ang mga taong may gawang makasalanan man ay makaaabot sa sukdulang hantungan.
Narada (teaching in the Ganga-tirtha context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta (wonder)
Secondary Rasa: karuna (compassion)
FAQs
It magnifies the Gaṅgā’s tirtha-śakti: her sanctity is so pervasive that even indirect contact—through wind touched by her droplets—can elevate even sinners toward the highest spiritual goal.
By presenting Gaṅgā-contact as grace that transforms the unworthy, the verse supports the bhakti idea that divine/holy association (saṅga) can uplift beyond one’s past karma, orienting the heart toward the supreme gati.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is tirtha-vidhi in Purāṇic dharma—seeking holy association (Gaṅgā-sevā, snāna, and proximity) as a means of purification.