Shloka 28
Description of the Fruits of Pilgrimage
Puṣkara Tīrtha Māhātmya
अप्येकं भोजयेद्विप्रं पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः । तेनैति पूजितांल्लोकान्ब्रह्मणः सदने स्थितान्
apyekaṃ bhojayedvipraṃ puṣkarāraṇyamāśritaḥ | tenaiti pūjitāṃllokānbrahmaṇaḥ sadane sthitān
حتى لو أقام المرء في غابة بوشكارا (Puṣkara) فأطعم براهمنًا (brāhmaṇa) واحدًا فقط، فإنّه بذلك يبلغ العوالم المكرَّمة القائمة في دار براهما (Brahmā).
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Adhyāya; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue frame typical of Svarga-khaṇḍa sections)
Concept: Even minimal, sincere hospitality (feeding one brāhmaṇa) performed in a sanctified field yields exalted post-mortem destinations.
Application: Practice atithi-sevā: feed someone in need or support a learned/virtuous person; when visiting sacred places, prioritize charity and service over mere sightseeing.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In the quiet Puṣkara forest, a simple hermitage hut stands beneath neem and peepal trees; a pilgrim offers a leaf-plate meal to a serene brāhmaṇa, while unseen light opens above them like a doorway to Brahmā’s radiant abode. The humility of the meal contrasts with the grandeur of the celestial destination hinted in the sky.","primary_figures":["pilgrim donor","brāhmaṇa guest","subtle vision of Brahmā’s abode (Brahma-sadana)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage near Puṣkara, earthen hut, cooking fire, water pot, leaf plates, distant glimpse of lake through trees","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["leaf green","earth brown","saffron cloth","sky gold","ash white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: forest hermitage scene with a pilgrim feeding a brāhmaṇa on a leaf plate; above, a gold-leaf Brahma-sadana vision with ornate arches and a lotus motif; rich reds/greens, detailed textiles, gold leaf on the celestial doorway and halos, traditional iconographic framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate woodland hospitality with delicate foliage, soft shadows, refined facial expressions of gratitude and serenity; a subtle luminous cloud-window revealing Brahmā’s abode; cool greens and gentle ochres with fine brushwork.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of donor and brāhmaṇa, stylized trees and hut, rhythmic patterns for leaves; a bright aureole in the upper register suggesting Brahma-loka; red/yellow/green palette with strong compositional bands like a temple mural.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central act of anna-dāna framed by ornate floral borders; peacocks and lotuses as auspicious motifs; the Brahma-sadana vision rendered as a decorative golden pavilion above; deep blues/greens with gold highlights and intricate patterning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["forest birds","crackling cooking fire","soft bell chime","wind through leaves","distant water"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अप्येकम् = अपि + एकम्; भोजयेद्विप्रम् = भोजयेत् + विप्रम्; पुष्करारण्यमाश्रितः = पुष्करारण्यम् + आश्रितः; तेनैति = तेन + एति; पूजितांल्लोकान् = पूजितान् + लोकान्
FAQs
The verse praises brāhmaṇa-bhojana—feeding even a single brāhmaṇa—especially while residing in the sacred Puṣkara region.
It states that one attains honored realms located in Brahmā’s abode (Brahmā-loka), indicating elevated posthumous merit.
A small act of generosity, performed with reverence in a sacred context, is portrayed as spiritually potent—emphasizing hospitality, charity, and respect for learned persons.