Skanda Purana — Avanti Khanda, Shloka 20
गरिमा गाण्यते तावत्तपोदानव्रतादिषु । नरैर्वा प्राप्यते यावद्भुवि भर्गभवा धुनी
garimā gāṇyate tāvattapodānavratādiṣu | narairvā prāpyate yāvadbhuvi bhargabhavā dhunī
On célèbre la grandeur de l’ascèse, de l’aumône, des vœux et du reste, seulement jusqu’au jour où, sur la terre, les hommes obtiennent le courant sacré né de Bharga (Śiva).
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) (deduced)
Tirtha: Revā (Narmadā)
Type: kshetra
Listener: dvijas (addressed indirectly across the passage)
Scene: A luminous river-stream arises from Śiva (Bharga), while sages holding kamaṇḍalus and pilgrims approach; symbols of tapas (matted hair), dāna (gift vessels), and vrata (rosaries) fade before the river’s radiance.
FAQs
The river born of Śiva is portrayed as a supreme, readily accessible sanctifier that can outshine many austerities and observances.
The Bharga-born river-stream—understood in context as Revā/Narmadā.
No single rite is commanded; the verse contrasts general dharmic practices (tapas, dāna, vrata) with attaining the sacred river.