Shloka 21
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
तां ब्रह्मचारी विधिवत्करोति सुसंयतो गुरुणा संनियुक्तः । सर्वस्वनाशेऽप्यथवाल्पपक्षे स ब्राह्मणानग्रत एव कृत्वा ॥ २१ ॥
tāṃ brahmacārī vidhivatkaroti susaṃyato guruṇā saṃniyuktaḥ | sarvasvanāśe'pyathavālpapakṣe sa brāhmaṇānagrata eva kṛtvā || 21 ||
The brahmacārin, well-restrained and appointed by his guru, performs that rite strictly according to rule. Even if all his wealth is lost, or if he has only a small measure of means, he should carry it out by placing the brāhmaṇas foremost, giving them precedence.
Narada (teaching in the Uttara-Bhaga context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage as the broader frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that dharma is measured by discipline and right priority—obedience to the guru and honoring brāhmaṇas—rather than by the amount of wealth available.
By emphasizing humility, service, and proper reverence in sacred acts, it supports bhakti as a lived discipline: devotion expressed through obedience to the guru and respectful worship/service aligned with śāstra.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implied through “vidhivat”—performing rites according to injunction—and the practical rule of precedence (who is honored first) within prescribed ceremonies.