Shloka 19
Tīrtha-Māhātmya: Mahālaya, Kedāra, Rivers and Fords, and Devadāru Forest
Akṣaya-Karma Doctrine
स्नात्वा कुमारधारायां कृत्वा देवादितर्पणम् / आराध्य षण्मुखं देवं स्कन्देन सह मोदते
snātvā kumāradhārāyāṃ kṛtvā devāditarpaṇam / ārādhya ṣaṇmukhaṃ devaṃ skandena saha modate
Après s’être baigné dans le courant sacré nommé Kumāra-dhārā et avoir accompli le tarpaṇa (libation d’eau) aux dieux et aux autres, celui qui vénère comme il se doit le Seigneur aux Six Visages—Ṣaṇmukha—se réjouit en la compagnie de Skanda.
Lord Kūrma (Vishnu) instructing the sages on tīrtha-mahātmyas and worship
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
FAQs
Indirectly, by emphasizing purification (snāna), reverential offerings (tarpaṇa), and focused devotion (ārādhana): the mind made pure and one-pointed becomes fit to recognize the indwelling sacred presence that the Purāṇa treats as ultimately one, even when approached through distinct deities.
It highlights preparatory sādhana: external purification at a tīrtha, gratitude and continuity of lineage through tarpaṇa, and devotional concentration on a chosen form (Ṣaṇmukha). In Kurma Purāṇa’s discipline, such rites stabilize attention and support inner yogic steadiness (dhyāna/ekāgratā).
By presenting a Vaiṣṇava-framed narration that still prescribes devotion to Skanda (a Śaiva deity), it reflects the Kurma Purāṇa’s integrative stance: sectarian forms differ, but dharma and the sacred goal are harmonized through shared ritual-yogic practice.