Shloka 24
Pulastya’s Tīrtha Enumeration: Sarasvatī, Naimiṣa, Gayā, and Associated Phalaśruti
Chapter 82
मनसाप्यभिकामस्य पुष्कराणि मनस्विन: । पूयन्ते सर्वपापानि नाकपृष्ठे च पूज्यते
manasāpy abhikāmasya puṣkarāṇi manasvinaḥ | pūyante sarvapāpāni nākapṛṣṭhe ca pūjyate ||
Even one who merely longs for Puṣkara in the mind—if he is steadfast in purpose—has all his sins washed away; and he is honored in heaven. The verse underscores the purifying power of sacred intention joined to a revered tīrtha, teaching that inner resolve and reverence can elevate a person ethically and spiritually.
घुलस्त्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that sincere inner intention—especially longing for a sacred tīrtha like Puṣkara—has purifying power: it can cleanse sin and lead to honor in heaven. Ethical emphasis is placed on the mind’s resolve and reverence, not only on external travel.
Within the Vana Parva’s tīrtha-focused discourse, the speaker praises Puṣkara’s sanctity, stating that even mentally aspiring toward it brings purification and heavenly honor, thereby encouraging pilgrimage and devotion to sacred places.