Kurma Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 30
Prayāga–Gaṅgā Tīrtha-māhātmya and Rules of Pilgrimage
Yātrā-vidhi
क्षितौ तारयते मर्त्यान् नागांस्तारयते ऽप्यधः / दिवि तारयते देवांस्तेन त्रिपथगा स्मृता
kṣitau tārayate martyān nāgāṃstārayate 'pyadhaḥ / divi tārayate devāṃstena tripathagā smṛtā
Di bumi ia menyeberangkan manusia fana; di bawah ia pun membebaskan para Nāga; di surga ia mengantar para dewa—maka ia dikenang sebagai Tripathagā, yang menempuh tiga alam.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator, traditionally Sūta/Vyāsa lineage) describing the sacred status of Gaṅgā
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
Indirectly: by portraying Gaṅgā as a power that “carries across” beings in all three realms, the verse points to the Purāṇic idea of grace that leads the jīva beyond saṁsāra—ultimately toward realization of the Self that transcends earth, heaven, and the netherworld.
The verse emphasizes tīrtha-sevā and śuddhi (purificatory discipline): approaching sacred waters with faith, restraint, and remembrance. In Kurma Purāṇa’s broader yoga-ethos, such purity supports japa, dhyāna, and devotion that culminate in liberation.
By focusing on Gaṅgā’s trans-world salvific role—commonly revered in both Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava traditions—the verse reflects the Kurma Purāṇa’s integrative stance: sacred agencies of liberation are honored across sectarian lines, aligning devotion and purification with a shared supreme goal.