Shloka 48
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
गंगां संप्राप्य यो देवि मुंडनं नैव कारयेत् । क्रिया तस्याक्रिया सर्वा तीर्थद्रोही भवेत्तथा ॥ ४८ ॥
gaṃgāṃ saṃprāpya yo devi muṃḍanaṃ naiva kārayet | kriyā tasyākriyā sarvā tīrthadrohī bhavettathā || 48 ||
ഹേ ദേവീ! ഗംഗയെ പ്രാപിച്ചിട്ടും മുണ്ഡനം ചെയ്യിക്കാത്തവന്റെ എല്ലാ ക്രിയകളും അക്രിയയായിത്തീരുന്നു; അങ്ങനെ അവൻ തീർത്ഥദ്രോഹിയാകുന്നു.
Narada (in dialogue context with the Sanatkumara tradition; addressing Devi as part of the narrative frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It asserts that a tīrtha like the Gaṅgā is approached with prescribed disciplines; neglecting the required observance (here, muṇḍana) nullifies the spiritual efficacy of one’s rites and constitutes tīrthadroha—disrespect to the sacred place.
It frames devotion as reverent, rule-guided approach to holy places: bhakti is not only inner feeling but also careful honoring of sacred vows and tīrtha-dharma, which safeguards the fruit of worship and pilgrimage.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implicit: the verse emphasizes correct performance of prescribed rites during tīrtha-yātrā, showing that procedure and timing of observances are integral to dharmic practice.