Shloka 108
Prayaga-mahatmya
Glory of Prayaga and the Magha Bath at Triveni
प्रयागप्राप्तनारीणां मुंडनं त्वेवमीरयेत् । सर्वान्केशान्समुद्धृत्य छेदयेदंगुलद्वयम् ॥ १०८ ॥
prayāgaprāptanārīṇāṃ muṃḍanaṃ tvevamīrayet | sarvānkeśānsamuddhṛtya chedayedaṃguladvayam || 108 ||
For women who have arrived at Prayāga, the rite of hair-cutting should be enjoined thus: gathering all the hair together, one should cut it by the measure of two fingers (a small, prescribed trim).
Sage Narada (teaching in the Prayaga Mahatmya context, traditionally within Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It frames a measured, modest form of hair-cutting for women at Prayaga as a regulated tirtha-observance, emphasizing discipline (niyama) and ritual propriety rather than extreme austerity.
By prescribing a simple, rule-based act performed at a sacred tirtha, it supports bhakti through embodied reverence—devotion expressed as careful observance while undertaking pilgrimage rites.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implicit: the verse gives a concrete ritual specification using a traditional measure (aṅgula), reflecting how rites are standardized through precise, repeatable instructions.