Shloka 38
The Greatness of the Gaṇḍakī River and the Śālagrāma Stone
गच्छत्सु प्राणमार्गेषु यस्य विश्रंभतोऽपि चेत् । शालग्रामशिला स्फूर्तिस्तस्य मुक्तिर्न संशयः
gacchatsu prāṇamārgeṣu yasya viśraṃbhato'pi cet | śālagrāmaśilā sphūrtistasya muktirna saṃśayaḥ
جب جان کی سانسیں اپنے راستوں سے رخصت ہونے لگیں، اگر کسی کے دل میں—even بےخبری میں—شالگرام شِلا کی اندرونی یاد جاگ اٹھے، تو اس کے لیے موکش (نجات) یقینی ہے؛ اس میں کوئی شک نہیں۔
Unspecified (context-dependent within Pātālakhaṇḍa narrative)
Concept: Even unintentional remembrance of Viṣṇu’s sacred form at the time of death grants mokṣa.
Application: Keep a simple daily practice of seeing/remembering Viṣṇu (arcā, śālagrāma, nāma-japa) so that the mind naturally turns to Him in crisis and at life’s end.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A quiet deathbed chamber where the departing prāṇa is shown as subtle streams of light moving upward, while a small Śālagrāma-śilā on a tulasī-leaf altar suddenly glows, awakening an involuntary inner remembrance. The soul, depicted as a luminous miniature figure, turns toward a distant Viṣṇu radiance that opens like a lotus in the air, signaling certain liberation.","primary_figures":["Śālagrāma-śilā (aniconic Viṣṇu)","Viṣṇu (as distant protective radiance)","Departing jīva (subtle form)","Tulasī plant (optional, as altar presence)"],"setting":"Simple household shrine beside a bed; brass lamp, conch, water pot; faint suggestion of Gaṇḍakī stones in a small bowl; sacred calm.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","gold leaf","smoky sandalwood brown","pearl white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a serene deathbed scene with a small altar holding a Śālagrāma-śilā on tulasī leaves, a tall brass dīpa, and a conch; above, Viṣṇu’s protective aura forms a lotus mandala; heavy gold leaf halos, rich vermilion and emerald borders, gem-studded ornaments on the altar vessels, South Indian iconographic symmetry, intricate floral filigree.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate interior with delicate linework; the Śālagrāma on a leaf plate softly glowing; the departing soul as a tiny luminous figure; cool twilight tones, refined faces of family in quiet reverence, a window opening to a distant river valley hinting Gaṇḍakī; lyrical naturalism and gentle gradients.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, warm ochres and greens; the Śālagrāma altar central, lamp flames stylized; Viṣṇu’s aura as concentric lotus petals; large expressive eyes on attendants; temple-wall aesthetic with ornamental borders and traditional pigment palette.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central glowing Śālagrāma on a lotus pedestal with tulasī garlands; surrounding lotus motifs and peacocks; a subtle Viṣṇu presence in a circular mandala above; deep indigo background, gold detailing, ornate floral borders in Nathdwara tradition."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","lamp crackle","distant conch shell","silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विश्रंभतोऽपि = विश्रंभतः + अपि. स्फूर्तिस्तस्य = स्फूर्तिः + तस्य. मुक्तिर्न = मुक्तिः + न.
FAQs
It asserts that even a spontaneous, unintentional remembrance of the Śālagrāma-śilā at the time the life-breath departs is sufficient to lead to liberation (mokṣa).
Liberation is presented as accessible through grace-filled remembrance (smṛti) of Viṣṇu’s sacred emblem, not only through deliberate ritual or prolonged ascetic practice—highlighting devotion as a direct means.
Cultivate regular reverence and remembrance of Viṣṇu (here symbolized by Śālagrāma) in daily life, so that at life’s final moment the mind naturally turns toward the divine.