Bhakti-Śraddhā-Ācāra-Māhātmya and the Commencement of the Mārkaṇḍeya Narrative
पूर्वार्जितानि पापानि नाशमायान्ति यस्य वै । सत्सङ्गतिर्भवेत्तस्य नान्यथा घटते हि सा ॥ ३६ ॥
pūrvārjitāni pāpāni nāśamāyānti yasya vai | satsaṅgatirbhavettasya nānyathā ghaṭate hi sā || 36 ||
凡得圣贤之会(sat-saṅga)者,其往昔所积诸罪必至消灭。此等清净相应唯为其人而生——确乎不由他途而成。
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
It declares satsaṅga (holy company) as a decisive sign of inner merit: when one gains true association with the virtuous, accumulated sins begin to be destroyed, showing a turning of life toward purification and dharma.
Bhakti is strengthened through sādhu-saṅga; by keeping company with saintly devotees, one naturally adopts devotional conduct and attitudes, and the obstacles created by prior sins are reduced.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is ethical discipline—seeking satsaṅga as a lived method for purification and steady dharmic practice.