Skanda Purana — Avanti Khanda, Shloka 20
गरिमा गाण्यते तावत्तपोदानव्रतादिषु । नरैर्वा प्राप्यते यावद्भुवि भर्गभवा धुनी
garimā gāṇyate tāvattapodānavratādiṣu | narairvā prāpyate yāvadbhuvi bhargabhavā dhunī
ತಪಸ್ಸು, ದಾನ, ವ್ರತಾದಿಗಳ ಮಹಿಮೆ ಅಷ್ಟರವರೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಕೀರ್ತಿಸಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತದೆ; ಭೂಮಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಜನರು ಭರ್ಗ (ಶಿವ)ಜನಿತ ಪವಿತ್ರ ಧಾರೆಯನ್ನು ಪಡೆಯುವವರೆಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ।
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) (deduced)
Tirtha: Revā (Narmadā)
Type: kshetra
Listener: dvijas (addressed indirectly across the passage)
Scene: A luminous river-stream arises from Śiva (Bharga), while sages holding kamaṇḍalus and pilgrims approach; symbols of tapas (matted hair), dāna (gift vessels), and vrata (rosaries) fade before the river’s radiance.
FAQs
The river born of Śiva is portrayed as a supreme, readily accessible sanctifier that can outshine many austerities and observances.
The Bharga-born river-stream—understood in context as Revā/Narmadā.
No single rite is commanded; the verse contrasts general dharmic practices (tapas, dāna, vrata) with attaining the sacred river.