Shloka 51
The Glory of Gayā and the Pilgrimage Circuit of Allied Tīrthas
तत्रोष्य रजनीमेकां गोसहस्रफलं लभेत् । अथ गोविंदमासाद्य तीर्थं परमसम्मतम्
tatroṣya rajanīmekāṃ gosahasraphalaṃ labhet | atha goviṃdamāsādya tīrthaṃ paramasammatam
Wer dort eine einzige Nacht verweilt, erlangt Verdienst, das der Gabe von tausend Kühen gleichkommt. Dann, nachdem man Govinda—das Govinda-tīrtha—erreicht hat, einen Pilgerort von höchster Verehrung,—
Unspecified (narratorial voice within the Svarga-khaṇḍa dialogue context)
Concept: Even brief, sincere residence at a tīrtha (one night) can yield vast merit; then one should proceed to a Viṣṇu-centered supreme tīrtha (Govinda).
Application: Create ‘one-night tīrtha’ moments in life: periodic retreats, temple stays, or quiet vigils with prayer and self-restraint; practice generosity (symbolized by go-dāna) alongside devotion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Night settles over Caṃpakāraṇya as a pilgrim rests near a small fire, the campaka blossoms glowing faintly in moonlight. At dawn, the pilgrim resumes the journey toward Govinda-tīrtha, where a radiant Viṣṇu shrine rises beyond a misty path, suggesting the ‘parama-sammata’ sanctity awaiting.","primary_figures":["pilgrim-devotee","Govinda (Viṣṇu) icon (at destination)","forest hermit/guide (optional)"],"setting":"A forest clearing for the overnight stay—simple bedding, small fire, prayer beads; then a path leading to a revered Govinda-tīrtha with steps, flags, and a sanctum.","lighting_mood":"moonlit transitioning to golden dawn","color_palette":["midnight blue","campaka gold","ash gray","dawn peach","temple gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: split-scene composition—left shows moonlit Caṃpakāraṇya with a pilgrim keeping a quiet vigil by a small lamp/fire, gold leaf accents on blossoms; right shows Govinda-tīrtha temple with Govinda in sanctum, ornate gold arch, gem-studded ornaments, rich reds/greens; emphasize ‘parama-sammata’ with radiant gold embossing and decorative borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene night in a flowering forest, delicate stars and pale moon; pilgrim wrapped in a shawl with mālā; dawn path leading to a small but elegant Govinda shrine; cool blues and warm dawn tones, refined faces, gentle narrative flow across the page.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: iconic night-vigil scene with bold outlines; stylized trees and blossoms; pilgrim seated in meditation; adjacent panel-like depiction of Govinda-tīrtha with Govinda’s large eyes and elaborate crown; strong reds/yellows/greens with deep blue background, temple-wall storytelling aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative border of campaka flowers and lotus motifs; central narrative of a pilgrim’s overnight stay with hanging lamps; upper register shows Govinda-tīrtha with a central Govinda icon framed by floral arches; deep indigo cloth field with gold detailing and intricate patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["night insects","soft crackle of fire","distant owl","pre-dawn temple bell","conch at sunrise"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tatroṣya = tatra + uṣya; rajanīmekām = rajanīm + ekām; govindamāsādya = govindam + āsādya.
FAQs
It presents tīrtha-residence (even for one night) as a concentrated act of devotion that yields great puṇya, symbolically equated with the renowned merit of donating a thousand cows.
Govinda is a principal name of Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa; in this context it also indicates a tīrtha associated with Govinda, described as “parama-sammata,” i.e., highly revered among pilgrimage places.
The comparison uses a well-known dharmic benchmark (go-dāna) to emphasize the power of sincere religious practice—suggesting that devotion and disciplined conduct at sacred places can rival major acts of charity in spiritual fruit.