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
यहाँ मनुष्यों का स्नान अल्प तप का फल नहीं है। वहाँ स्नान करके, उस जल को पीकर और दान देकर मनुष्य क्लेश-कल्मष से रहित हो जाता है।
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.