Shloka 34
Description of the Fruits of Pilgrimage
Puṣkara Tīrtha Māhātmya
दुष्करं पुष्करे गंतुं दुष्करं पुष्करे तपः । दुष्करं पुष्करे दानं वस्तुं चैव सुदुष्करम्
duṣkaraṃ puṣkare gaṃtuṃ duṣkaraṃ puṣkare tapaḥ | duṣkaraṃ puṣkare dānaṃ vastuṃ caiva suduṣkaram
Schwer ist es, nach Puṣkara zu gelangen; schwer ist die Askese in Puṣkara. Schwer ist die Gabe in Puṣkara, und selbst dort zu wohnen ist überaus schwer.
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Svargakhaṇḍa context; exact dialogue speaker not provided in the input)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: caiva = ca + eva; suduṣkaram = su + duṣkaram.
FAQs
It portrays Puṣkara as a demanding sacred place where pilgrimage, austerity, charity, and long-term residence require exceptional resolve and discipline.
The verse emphasizes the high spiritual standard expected at a major tīrtha—true austerity and genuine giving are challenging because they require self-restraint, purity of intention, and sustained commitment.
It teaches that holiness is not merely geographical; merit arises from effort—undertaking pilgrimage, practicing austerity, giving charitably, and living virtuously are all difficult but spiritually meaningful.