Shloka 12
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
तारिताः पितररतेन नरकात्प्रपितामहाः । यस्य हस्तौ च पादौ च मनश्चैव सुसंयतम् ॥ १२ ॥
tāritāḥ pitararatena narakātprapitāmahāḥ | yasya hastau ca pādau ca manaścaiva susaṃyatam || 12 ||
By one who delights in serving the pitṛs, the ancestors, even the great‑grandfathers are delivered from hell—he whose hands and feet, and whose mind as well, are well restrained.
Narada (instructional narration within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna (compassion)
Secondary Rasa: shanta (peace)
FAQs
It teaches that sincere Pitṛ-bhakti (devotion to one’s ancestors through proper duties) combined with personal self-restraint generates such merit that it uplifts even one’s forefathers from painful states like Naraka.
Bhakti here is expressed as reverent service (seva) and fidelity to dharma toward the Pitṛs; the verse links devotion with inner discipline—true devotion is not merely ritual, but also control of action (hands/feet) and intention (mind).
It emphasizes niyama and saṃyama (disciplined conduct) as the practical foundation for effective ritual action—without controlled body and mind, rites like Pitṛ-related offerings lose their intended dharmic force.