Shloka 36
The Account of the Fruits of Bathing at Particular Sacred Places
Tīrtha-viśeṣa-snāna-phala
गंगाद्वारे कुशावर्ते बिल्वके नीलपर्वते । तीर्थे कनखले स्नात्वा धूतपापो व्रजेद्दिवम् ॥ ३६ ॥
gaṃgādvāre kuśāvarte bilvake nīlaparvate | tīrthe kanakhale snātvā dhūtapāpo vrajeddivam || 36 ||
Having bathed at the sacred fords—at Gaṅgādvāra, at Kuśāvarta, at Bilvaka, at Nīlaparvata, and at the tīrtha of Kanakhala—one’s sins are washed away, and one goes to heaven.
Narada (teaching in a Tirtha-Mahatmya context; traditional dialogue frame with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta (peace)
Secondary Rasa: bhakti (devotion)
FAQs
It teaches the tīrtha-mahātmyā principle: bathing (snāna) at specific Gaṅgā-associated holy sites is a dharmic act that purifies pāpa and yields heavenly merit (svarga-prāpti).
While the verse centers on pilgrimage, it supports bhakti indirectly by directing the devotee to Gaṅgā tīrthas—spaces traditionally used for Viṣṇu-oriented worship, japa, and vrata observance—where inner purity is cultivated through reverent practice.
It highlights kalpa-style ritual practice: tīrtha-snāna as a prescribed dharmic act, including the practical rule that specific locations (deśa/ tīrtha) are treated as potent contexts for purification rites.