Shloka 15
Dāna-vrata and the Tīrtha Circuit of Venkaṭādri
Snāna, Mantra, Naivedya
दृष्ट्वा पप्रच्छ सा देवी जैगीषव्यं गुरुं प्रभुम् / किं संज्ञिकेयं विप्रेन्द्र किं कार्यं ह्यत्र मे वद
dṛṣṭvā papraccha sā devī jaigīṣavyaṃ guruṃ prabhum / kiṃ saṃjñikeyaṃ viprendra kiṃ kāryaṃ hyatra me vada
Seeing him, that Goddess questioned Jaigīṣavya, the revered teacher and lord: “O best of Brahmins, what is this called, and what is to be done here? Tell me.”
The Goddess (Devī)
Concept: Praśna to the guru: naming (saṃjñā) and prescribed action (kārya) must be learned from authoritative instruction.
Vedantic Theme: Guru-upāsatti and śāstra-pramāṇa: right knowledge begins with disciplined questioning and receptivity.
Application: When uncertain in ritual or ethics, ask qualified teachers; seek both ‘what is this’ (definition/context) and ‘what should I do’ (practice).
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha vicinity/riverbank (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: dialogic teaching style (Garuda–Viṣṇu; or teacher–disciple frames) as a vehicle for dharma and afterlife instruction (structural parallel)
FAQs
The verse models correct dharmic inquiry: before performing any rite or action, one should know its proper name and scriptural classification, learned from a qualified teacher.
It introduces an instruction sequence: the seeker approaches a guru, asks what a practice is called and what must be done (kārya), setting up precise guidance that the Garuda Purana often gives for dharma and rites.
Seek clarity before acting—learn the correct method and purpose of any religious observance or ethical duty from reliable sources, rather than performing it blindly.