The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
कल्माषपादेनेत्युक्तो वटस्थो ब्रह्मराक्षसः । उवाच प्रीतिमापन्नो धर्मवाक्यानि नारद ॥ ७८ ॥
kalmāṣapādenetyukto vaṭastho brahmarākṣasaḥ | uvāca prītimāpanno dharmavākyāni nārada || 78 ||
被迦尔摩沙跋陀如此问及,那栖居于榕树上的梵罗刹心生欢喜,便对那罗陀宣说正法之语。
Brahma-rakshasa (the being residing on the banyan tree)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta (peace)
Secondary Rasa: bhakti (devotion)
The verse marks a turning point where a fearsome being (a Brahma-rākṣasa) becomes receptive and, through satisfaction, turns toward Dharma—showing that right inquiry and proper address can open the door to spiritual instruction even in adverse circumstances.
Bhakti is implied through humility and receptivity: when Nārada becomes the recipient of Dharma-teachings, it reflects the devotional principle of approaching wisdom with reverence—preparing the heart for higher devotion and righteous living.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught in this single verse; the practical takeaway is the Purāṇic method of Dharma-upadeśa—ethical instruction delivered through dialogue and narrative context.