Shloka 3
Narmadā Pilgrimage Itinerary: Sequence of Tīrthas, Rites, and Fruits
अश्वतीर्थं ततो गच्छेत्स्नानं तत्र समाचरेत् । सुभगो दर्शनीयश्च भोगवान्जायते नरः
aśvatīrthaṃ tato gacchetsnānaṃ tatra samācaret | subhago darśanīyaśca bhogavānjāyate naraḥ
Kemudian hendaklah pergi ke Aśvatīrtha dan melaksanakan mandi suci di sana menurut tata cara. Dengan itu seseorang terlahir beruntung, elok dipandang, dan dianugerahi kenikmatan.
Unspecified (narrative instruction within a tīrtha-māhātmya section; commonly framed as Pulastya instructing Bhīṣma in the Svargakhaṇḍa)
Concept: Tīrtha-snāna, performed as a dharmic act, ripens into auspicious embodied outcomes and a refined life.
Application: Undertake pilgrimages (or local sacred bathing/ablutions) with intention and restraint; treat bodily care and prosperity as offerings to dharma, not ego.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A pilgrim arrives at Aśvatīrtha where an ancient aśvattha tree leans over a clear ford. He steps into the water at dawn, hands folded, while subtle divine light seems to rise from the ripples, suggesting the tīrtha’s unseen potency that grants auspiciousness and a radiant countenance.","primary_figures":["pilgrim (nara)","tīrtha-devatā (subtle presence)","optional: sage-guide indicating the ford"],"setting":"river/ford with stone ghāṭa steps, an aśvattha tree, small shrine with a Viṣṇu emblem (śaṅkha-cakra) nearby","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron gold","river jade","ash-grey stone","lotus pink","deep indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Aśvatīrtha snāna at a stone ghāṭa beneath a sacred aśvattha tree, pilgrim with folded hands entering shimmering water; small Viṣṇu shrine with śaṅkha-cakra behind; heavy gold leaf on halos and water highlights, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, ornate borders, gem-studded ornaments on the shrine icon, South Indian architectural motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: A quiet riverside ford under an aśvattha tree, pilgrim bathing at dawn with delicate ripples; soft Himalayan-like hills in the distance, lyrical naturalism, cool greens and blues, refined facial features, thin white outlines for water sparkle, small shrine tucked among flowering shrubs.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold outlined pilgrim at the tīrtha steps, stylized aśvattha leaves forming a canopy, sacred water rendered in flat green-blue bands; temple lamp motifs and a small Viṣṇu emblem; warm red-yellow-green palette with characteristic large eyes and rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Aśvatīrtha rendered as a lotus-filled ford with ornate floral borders; peacocks on the ghāṭa railings, stylized waves; central pilgrim in devotion, and a small Viṣṇu symbol framed by lotuses; deep blue background with gold detailing and intricate vine patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","temple bells","morning birds","soft conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गच्छेत्स्नानं = गच्छेत् + स्नानम्; भोगवान्जायते = भोगवान् + जायते.
FAQs
It instructs the pilgrim to go to Aśvatīrtha and perform snāna (a proper ritual bath) there.
The verse promises that a person becomes (or is born) fortunate (subhaga), attractive/pleasing to behold (darśanīya), and endowed with enjoyments or prosperity (bhogavān).
It is a concise phala-śruti typical of tīrtha-māhātmya passages: a prescribed act (pilgrimage and bathing) followed by a stated merit (auspiciousness, beauty, and worldly well-being).