Shloka 25
Dāna-vrata and the Tīrtha Circuit of Venkaṭādri
Snāna, Mantra, Naivedya
अत्र स्नानं मनुष्याणां नाल्पस्य तपसः फलम् / तत्र स्नात्वा च पीत्वा च दत्त्वा दानान्यकेशः
atra snānaṃ manuṣyāṇāṃ nālpasya tapasaḥ phalam / tatra snātvā ca pītvā ca dattvā dānānyakeśaḥ
Ici, le bain des hommes donne un fruit d’austérité qui n’est pas mince. S’y étant baigné, puis ayant bu de cette eau et offert des dons en aumône, on devient libre de l’affliction et de l’impureté.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Tīrtha-sevā yields tapas-like fruit; combining snāna, pāna, and dāna produces strong purification and removal of affliction/impurity.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga as śuddhi-hetu: right action performed in sacred context reduces mala (impurity) and supports higher realization.
Application: When visiting sacred places, complete the triad: bathe (or symbolically wash), sip sanctified water if appropriate, and give charity; pair outer acts with inner intention and restraint.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha (snāna-pāna-dāna triad at a sacred site)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.27.24 (paramā gati from bathing); Garuda Purana 3.27.23 (site’s sanctifying origin)
FAQs
This verse states that bathing at the indicated sacred place gives a great result comparable to significant tapas, especially when joined with drinking the tīrtha water and giving dāna.
In the Preta Kanda context, purification and merit (puṇya) gained through snāna, tīrtha-jala-pāna, and dāna support auspicious outcomes connected with rites for the departed and the living performer’s purification.
Combine inner discipline with concrete acts: visit a sacred water-site respectfully, perform a ritual bath, take tīrtha water in moderation, and give charity—treating these as intentional practices of purification and merit.