Shloka 100
Description of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Tīrthas
Kurukṣetra-yātrā-krama
शालहोत्रस्य राजर्षेस्तीर्थे स्नात्वाघवर्जितः । श्रीकुंभाख्ये सरस्वत्यास्तीर्थए स्नात्वाथ यज्ञवाक् ॥ १०० ॥
śālahotrasya rājarṣestīrthe snātvāghavarjitaḥ | śrīkuṃbhākhye sarasvatyāstīrthae snātvātha yajñavāk || 100 ||
Having bathed at the sacred ford of the royal sage Śālahotra, one is freed from sin. Then, bathing at Sarasvatī’s holy place called Śrī-Kumbha, one is endowed with the power of sacred speech, fit for yajña.
Sanatkumara (speaking to Narada in the Uttara-bhaga tirtha-narrative)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It teaches that tirtha-snāna at specific Sarasvatī-related holy sites purifies sin (agha) and grants spiritual refinement, culminating in sanctified speech suitable for sacred rites.
By honoring Sarasvatī’s tīrthas through reverent bathing, the devotee cultivates purity and sacred speech—supports for mantra, praise, and ritual devotion, which strengthen bhakti through disciplined practice.
The verse points to the ritual efficacy of vāṇī (speech) in yajña—linking to Śikṣā (proper recitation/phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (correct usage), since “yajña-vāk” implies speech disciplined for Vedic performance.