Padma Purana — Svarga Khanda, Shloka 1
Merits of Vitastā, Devikā, Rudrakoṭī and Sarasvatī Sacred Fords
नारदौवाच । वितस्तां च समासाद्य संतर्प्य पितृदेवताः । नरः फलमवाप्नोति वाजपेयस्य भारत
nāradauvāca | vitastāṃ ca samāsādya saṃtarpya pitṛdevatāḥ | naraḥ phalamavāpnoti vājapeyasya bhārata
नारद बोले— हे भारत! जो पुरुष वितस्ता नदी के तट पर पहुँचकर पितृदेवताओं का विधिपूर्वक तर्पण करता है, वह वाजपेय यज्ञ का फल प्राप्त करता है।
Nārada
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: river
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नारदौवाच = नारदः + उवाच; फलमवाप्नोति = फलम् + अवाप्नोति
FAQs
It states that simply reaching the Vitastā and performing proper Pitṛ-offerings there can yield merit equal to an elaborate Vedic sacrifice, highlighting tīrtha-mahātmyas (the exalted efficacy of sacred places).
The Vājapeya is a prestigious Soma sacrifice; invoking it sets a high benchmark, so the verse emphasizes that tīrtha-based ancestral rites can confer exceptionally great religious merit.
It encourages gratitude and responsibility toward one’s ancestors: honoring the Pitṛs through tarpaṇa/śrāddha, especially at sacred waters, is presented as a powerful and accessible dharmic practice.