Shloka 21
The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power
पिंगला नाम यत्तीर्थं आग्नेयी सा प्रकीर्तिता । शुष्का सरिच्च सा ज्ञेया लोकार्को यत्र तिष्ठति ॥ २१ ॥
piṃgalā nāma yattīrthaṃ āgneyī sā prakīrtitā | śuṣkā saricca sā jñeyā lokārko yatra tiṣṭhati || 21 ||
ಆ ತೀರ್ಥವು ‘ಪಿಂಗಲಾ’ ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತದೆ; ಅದು ಆಗ್ನೇಯ ದಿಕ್ಕಿಗೆ ಸೇರಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ. ಅದನ್ನು ಒಣಗಿದ ನದಿಯೆಂದೂ ತಿಳಿ—ಅಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಲೋಕಾರ್ಕ’ ನೆಲೆಸಿದ್ದಾನೆ.
Narada (describing Uttara-Bhaga tirthas in dialogue context with Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It identifies Piṅgalā as a specific tīrtha with Āgneya (Agni-associated) potency, presenting it as a locus of divine radiance (“lokārka”), emphasizing sacred geography as a means of dharma and purification.
While not explicitly teaching bhakti practices, it frames a pilgrimage site as a place where divine presence “abides,” encouraging reverent visitation, remembrance, and worship—common supports for Vishnu-bhakti and broader devotional discipline in the Purāṇic path.
Directional sacred mapping (Āgneya—Agni’s quarter) reflects applied jyotiṣa-style spatial symbolism used in ritual and tīrtha traditions, where directions and deities guide pilgrimage orientation and worship protocols.