Shloka 19
Balarāma Slays Balvala and Visits Sacred Tīrthas; He Attempts to Stop Bhīma–Duryodhana
ततोऽभिव्रज्य भगवान् केरलांस्तु त्रिगर्तकान् । गोकर्णाख्यं शिवक्षेत्रं सान्निध्यं यत्र धूर्जटे: ॥ १९ ॥ आर्यां द्वैपायनीं दृष्ट्वा शूर्पारकमगाद् बल: । तापीं पयोष्णीं निर्विन्ध्यामुपस्पृश्याथ दण्डकम् ॥ २० ॥ प्रविश्य रेवामगमद् यत्र माहिष्मती पुरी । मनुतीर्थमुपस्पृश्य प्रभासं पुनरागमत् ॥ २१ ॥
tato ’bhivrajya bhagavān keralāṁs tu trigartakān gokarṇākhyaṁ śiva-kṣetraṁ sānnidhyaṁ yatra dhūrjaṭeḥ
Then the Bhagavān traveled through the kingdoms of Kerala and Trigarta and visited Gokarṇa, Śiva’s sacred kṣetra, where Dhūrjaṭi (Śiva) reveals his direct presence. After also beholding the Goddess Āryā Dvaipāyanī (Pārvatī), who dwells upon an island, Balarāma went to the holy region of Śūrpāraka and bathed in the Tāpī, Payoṣṇī, and Nirvindhyā rivers. Next He entered the Daṇḍaka forest and reached the Revā (Narmadā) River, along whose bank lies the city of Māhiṣmatī. After bathing at Manu-tīrtha, He finally returned to Prabhāsa.
FAQs
This verse shows Balarāma performing tīrtha-yātrā, honoring sacred sites and demonstrating how devotion is strengthened by visiting and remembering holy places connected with great devotees and deities like Lord Śiva.
Dhūrjaṭi is a name of Lord Śiva, referring to his matted locks; the verse notes Gokarṇa as a Śiva-kṣetra where his divine presence is especially revered.
By regularly associating with sacred reminders—pilgrimage when possible, and otherwise hearing, chanting, and honoring holy places and saints—one can deepen reverence and steadiness in bhakti.