Shloka 24
Description of the Rules for Charitable Gifts and Related Rites
Gaṅgā-māhātmya
विष्णोः शिवस्य सूर्य्यस्य दुर्गाया ब्रह्मणस्तथा । गंगातीरे प्रतिष्ठां तु यः करोति नरोत्तमः ॥ २४ ॥
viṣṇoḥ śivasya sūryyasya durgāyā brahmaṇastathā | gaṃgātīre pratiṣṭhāṃ tu yaḥ karoti narottamaḥ || 24 ||
That best of men who performs the consecratory installation (pratiṣṭhā) on the bank of the Gaṅgā—for Viṣṇu, Śiva, Sūrya, Durgā, and also Brahmā—wins great religious merit.
Narada (within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue; Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahatmya narration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It highlights Gaṅgā-tīra as a supremely meritorious tirtha where installing and consecrating deities (pratiṣṭhā) becomes a powerful act of dharma, amplifying the fruit of worship through the sanctity of the river.
By recommending consecration and worship of major deities—especially Viṣṇu—at a sacred tirtha, it frames bhakti as both inner reverence and outward, community-sustaining service (temple installation, ongoing archana) performed in a holy setting.
Ritual practice is central: pratiṣṭhā implies correct kalpa/ācāra (procedural injunctions) and auspicious timing (muhūrta, often informed by jyotiṣa) for installing images and establishing regular worship on a tirtha like the Gaṅgā.