Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 36
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
तज्जलस्पर्शमात्रेण पादौ कल्माषतां गतौ । कल्माषपाद इत्येवं ततः प्रभृति विस्तृतः ॥ ३६ ॥
tajjalasparśamātreṇa pādau kalmāṣatāṃ gatau | kalmāṣapāda ityevaṃ tataḥ prabhṛti vistṛtaḥ || 36 ||
اس پانی کے چھوتے ہی اس کے پیر سیاہ اور داغدار ہو گئے؛ اور اس وقت سے وہ 'کلماش پاد' کے نام سے مشہور ہوا۔
Suta (narrating the Purana’s account)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic principle that even a single contact (sparśa) with a potent substance or circumstance can produce visible karmic consequences, shaping both one’s condition and one’s social identity (name and fame).
Indirectly, it teaches vigilance about one’s associations and actions; in Bhakti, purity of conduct and careful avoidance of harmful contacts support steadiness in devotion and protect one’s dharmic reputation.
Nirukta/etymological sense is implied: the name “Kalmāṣapāda” is explained through the event (feet becoming kalmāṣa—stained), illustrating how Purāṇas often derive names through meaningful narration.