Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 92
The Episode of Vena: Purification, the ‘Vāsudevābhidhā’ Hymn, and the Dharma of Charity
Times, Tīrthas, Worthy Recipients
तत्र तत्र प्रकर्तव्याः स्नानदानादिकाः क्रियाः । यदा न ज्ञायते नाम तासां तीर्थस्य सत्तमाः
tatra tatra prakartavyāḥ snānadānādikāḥ kriyāḥ | yadā na jñāyate nāma tāsāṃ tīrthasya sattamāḥ
In every place, acts such as bathing and charitable giving should be performed—especially when the name of that sacred ford (tīrtha) is not known, O best among the virtuous.
Pulastya (to Bhīṣma) [contextual identification typical for Bhūmi-khaṇḍa tīrtha sections]
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: स्नानदानादिकाः = स्नान + दान + आदिकाः (समास); अन्यत्र स्पष्टपदविभागः।
FAQs
It advises performing core dharmic acts—especially bathing (snāna) and charitable giving (dāna)—even if the site’s specific tīrtha-name is not known.
It reflects a pragmatic tīrtha-ethic: sanctity is approached through right action (snāna, dāna, etc.) across many places, not only through precise identification or fame of a location.
Do not delay dharma due to uncertainty; when details are unclear, uphold universal virtues—purification, generosity, and disciplined conduct.