Shloka 11
तिष्ठेतार्वाक्छिरा यस्तु युगानामयुतं पुमान् । तिष्ठेद्यथेष्टं यश्चापि गंगायां स विशिष्यते ॥ १२ ॥
tiṣṭhetārvākchirā yastu yugānāmayutaṃ pumān | tiṣṭhedyatheṣṭaṃ yaścāpi gaṃgāyāṃ sa viśiṣyate || 12 ||
ತಲೆ ಕೆಳಗೆ ಬಾಗಿಸಿ ಹತ್ತು ಸಾವಿರ ಯುಗಗಳು ನಿಂತವನಿದ್ದರೂ, ಮತ್ತೊಬ್ಬನು ಗಂಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನ ಇಷ್ಟದಂತೆ ಇರುವುದಾದರೂ—ಗಂಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವವನೇ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠನು।
Narada (within the tirtha-mahatmya narration; traditional Purana dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It teaches that the sanctifying power of the Gaṅgā-tīrtha can surpass even extremely severe bodily austerities, emphasizing tīrtha-sevā and sacred association as potent means of accruing puṇya.
By valuing humble reliance on a divinely sanctified tīrtha (Gaṅgā) over self-powered feats of tapas, the verse aligns with bhakti’s principle that grace and sacred connection can elevate a seeker beyond mere physical rigor.
Ritual-practice (kalpa-oriented) guidance is implied: merit is linked to tīrtha observance—such as staying at the Gaṅgā and engaging in prescribed acts like snāna, japa, and dāna—rather than showcasing yogic postures alone.