Shloka 55
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
सश्मश्रुकेशवपनं मुंडनं तद्विदुर्बुधाः । न क्षौरं मुंडनं सुभ्रु कीर्तितं वेदवेदिभिः ॥ ५५ ॥
saśmaśrukeśavapanaṃ muṃḍanaṃ tadvidurbudhāḥ | na kṣauraṃ muṃḍanaṃ subhru kīrtitaṃ vedavedibhiḥ || 55 ||
The wise know “muṇḍana” as the removal of both beard and hair. O fair-browed one, the knowers of the Veda declare that mere shaving (kṣaura) is not what is called muṇḍana.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It clarifies ritual precision: a vowed act (vrata) should be performed exactly as defined by Vedic authorities—here, ‘muṇḍana’ means complete removal of hair including the beard, not a partial shave.
It supports bhakti through disciplined observance: devotional practices become effective when the devotee follows the prescribed niyamas accurately, showing sincerity and reverence for śāstra.
It reflects śrauta/smārta ritual terminology and procedural correctness (kalpa-style precision): distinguishing technical terms used in vows and rites so the intended observance is not diluted.