Shloka 100

Description of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Tīrthas

Kurukṣetra-yātrā-krama

Devanagari script

शालहोत्रस्य राजर्षेस्तीर्थे स्नात्वाघवर्जितः । श्रीकुंभाख्ये सरस्वत्यास्तीर्थए स्नात्वाथ यज्ञवाक् ॥ १०० ॥

Transliteration

śālahotrasya rājarṣestīrthe snātvāghavarjitaḥ | śrīkuṃbhākhye sarasvatyāstīrthae snātvātha yajñavāk || 100 ||

Translation

Celui qui se baigne au gué sacré du rājarṣi Śālahotra est délivré du péché. Puis, s’étant baigné au tīrtha de Sarasvatī nommé Śrī-Kumbha, il reçoit la puissance de la Parole sacrée, digne du yajña.

Word by Word

शालहोत्रस्यof Śālahotra

राजर्षेःof the royal sage

तीर्थेat the sacred ford (tīrtha)

स्नात्वाhaving bathed

अघवर्जितःfreed from sin

श्रीकुंभाख्येat (the tīrtha) called Śrīkumbha

सरस्वत्याःof Sarasvatī

तीर्थेat the tīrtha

स्नात्वाhaving bathed

अथthen

यज्ञवाक्one whose speech is (fit for) sacrifice / sacred utterance

Speaker

Sanatkumara (speaking to Narada in the Uttara-bhaga tirtha-narrative)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Characters & Entities

Śālahotra

Sarasvatī

Śrī-Kumbha

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

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.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

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.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

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.