Shloka 87
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
हिमं च द्रवरूपेण तस्माद्गंगाधिकं विदुः । अश्वमेधसहस्राणां फलं फल्गुजलाप्लवात् ॥ ८७ ॥
himaṃ ca dravarūpeṇa tasmādgaṃgādhikaṃ viduḥ | aśvamedhasahasrāṇāṃ phalaṃ phalgujalāplavāt || 87 ||
Because it is snow transformed into flowing water, Phalgu is therefore known to be even superior to the Gaṅgā. By immersing oneself and bathing in the waters of Phalgu, one gains merit equal to thousands of Aśvamedha sacrifices.
Narada (teaching the Sanatkumara brothers in a Tirtha-Mahatmya context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It elevates tīrtha-snāna (pilgrimage bathing) as a potent purifier: immersion in the Phalgu is praised as yielding immense puṇya, comparable to major Vedic sacrifices, emphasizing the transformative power of sacred places.
Though framed as tīrtha-mahātmya, the teaching supports bhakti by directing the devotee toward reverent contact with sacred waters and faith-filled practice (śraddhā in tīrthas), which traditionally accompanies remembrance of Hari and acts of worship during pilgrimage.
Ritual practice (kalpa-oriented conduct) is implied: the act of āplava/snāna at a tīrtha is presented as a dhārmic rite with defined spiritual results, using the Aśvamedha as a benchmark for ritual merit.