Shloka 94
Tīrtha-Māhātmya Sequence: Sacred Fords, Baths, Gifts, and Śrāddha
Narmadā-Belt Itinerary
स्नातमात्रो नरस्तत्र सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते । सोमग्रहे तु राजेंद्र पापक्षयकरं भवेत्
snātamātro narastatra sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate | somagrahe tu rājeṃdra pāpakṣayakaraṃ bhavet
Wer dort nur ein Bad nimmt, wird von allen Sünden befreit. Und, o König, wird das Bad während einer Mondfinsternis genommen, so wird es zu einer mächtigen Ursache der Sündenvernichtung.
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (rājendra) within the Svarga-khaṇḍa dialogue context
Concept: Sin-destruction is intensified when sacred action (snāna) is performed at a tīrtha during a liminal cosmic event (lunar eclipse).
Application: Use liminal times (eclipses, dawn, ekādaśī) for heightened sādhana—japa, charity, restraint—while maintaining ethical living as the baseline for ‘pāpa-kṣaya’.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Under a darkened sky where the moon is partially veiled, pilgrims stand waist-deep in the river at Soma-tīrtha, hands folded as the eclipse casts an otherworldly hush. A crescent-moon shrine glows with lamp-light on the bank, and the king addressed by the narrator watches respectfully, emphasizing royal endorsement of dharmic pilgrimage.","primary_figures":["pilgrims","a king (rājendra)","priests","Soma (symbolic moon presence)"],"setting":"River ford/ghāṭa at Soma-tīrtha with a moon-emblem shrine, eclipse sky overhead, clustered lamps and offerings on the steps.","lighting_mood":"moonlit with eclipse-shadow and temple lamp-lit accents","color_palette":["eclipse charcoal","moon-white","lamp-amber","deep river-blue","saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Eclipse snāna at Soma-tīrtha with dramatic dark sky, gold-leaf lamp flames and shrine arch, embossed gold ripples on the river; rājendra figure in regal attire at the side; moon-disc partially covered rendered with metallic sheen, rich reds/greens for garments, ornate borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Subtle eclipse atmosphere with graded charcoal-to-indigo sky, delicate figures in the river with folded hands; a small moon-emblem shrine lit by tiny lamps; refined facial expressions conveying awe and repentance, cool palette punctuated by warm amber lights.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold-lined eclipse moon, stylized river and ghāṭa; central snāna figures with large expressive eyes; rājendra in profile with royal ornaments; strong contrasts of indigo, ochre, and lamp-yellow, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Deep blue river field with gold wave motifs, eclipse moon medallion at top, rows of lamps along the ghāṭa; intricate floral borders and lotus clusters; pilgrims in rhythmic repeated poses, creating a devotional pattern; moon-emblem shrine central, gold highlights throughout."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","hushed crowd murmur","flowing water","ritual silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नरस्तत्र = नरः + तत्र.
FAQs
It praises bathing (snāna) at a sacred place, stating that even a simple bath there frees a person from sins.
The verse says that bathing during a lunar eclipse intensifies the result, becoming especially effective for the destruction of sins (pāpa-kṣaya).
It emphasizes purification through disciplined sacred practice—using auspicious times and holy places to support moral and spiritual renewal.