Shloka 38
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
तीर्थेषु ब्राह्मणं नैव परीक्षेत कदाचन । अत्रार्थिनमनुप्राप्तं भोज्यं तं मनुरब्रवीत् ॥ ३८ ॥
tīrtheṣu brāhmaṇaṃ naiva parīkṣeta kadācana | atrārthinamanuprāptaṃ bhojyaṃ taṃ manurabravīt || 38 ||
തീർത്ഥസ്ഥാനങ്ങളിൽ ബ്രാഹ്മണനെ ഒരിക്കലും പരീക്ഷിക്കുകയോ സംശയിക്കുകയോ ചെയ്യരുത്. ഇവിടെ സഹായം തേടി വന്ന ദരിദ്രനെ ഭക്ഷിപ്പിക്കണം—ഇതാണ് മനുവിന്റെ വചനം.
Narada (teaching in the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahatmya context; citing Manu as authority)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches tirtha-dharma: pilgrimage is fulfilled not only by bathing or worship, but by compassionate conduct—especially honoring Brahmanas and feeding those who come in need.
Bhakti is expressed through seva (service). By feeding the needy at a tirtha without suspicion or harsh judgment, one practices humility and compassion—qualities that support Vishnu-bhakti and purify the heart.
It reflects Kalpa/Dharma-shastra practice: rules of right conduct at sacred rites and places—specifically, atithi-seva (hospitality) and dana (charity) as obligatory tirtha observances.