Shloka 119
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Birth and Boon; Puṣkara’s Glory; Rāma’s Śrāddha; Refuge-Hymn to Śiva
पुष्करे तु तदा रामोऽतर्पयद्विधिवत्तदा । कनका सुप्रभा चैव नंदा प्राची सरस्वती
puṣkare tu tadā rāmo'tarpayadvidhivattadā | kanakā suprabhā caiva naṃdā prācī sarasvatī
അപ്പോൾ പുഷ്കരത്തിൽ ശ്രീരാമൻ വിധിപൂർവ്വം തർപ്പണം നടത്തി—കനകാ, സുപ്രഭാ, നന്ദാ, പ്രാചീ, സരസ്വതി എന്നിവരെ ആഹ്വാനിച്ച്।
Narratorial voice (Purāṇic narrator; specific dialogue pair not identifiable from the single verse).
Concept: Tarpana performed at a mahā-tīrtha with correct vidhi yields heightened efficacy; sacred waters are living conduits for pitṛ-prīti and dharmic purification.
Application: When visiting a sacred place, perform at least a simple, sincere tarpana (water + sesame + remembrance) and dedicate merit to ancestors and teachers; keep procedure respectful and mindful.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"On the ghats of Puṣkara at early morning, Rāma stands ankle-deep in shimmering water, palms cupped as he releases libations with black sesame. Behind him, Lakṣmaṇa holds a brass vessel; the lake reflects temple silhouettes while the names of sacred streams seem to rise as luminous script in the mist.","primary_figures":["Rāma","Lakṣmaṇa","tīrtha-priests (optional)"],"setting":"Pushkar Lake ghats with stone steps, small shrines, pilgrims, and distant Aravalli hills; ritual vessels, kusa grass, sesame, and a calm water surface.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","mist silver","marigold gold","stone gray","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Rāma at Puṣkara ghats performing tarpana, ornate gold-leaf halo and borders, richly patterned garments, gleaming brass vessels; lake rendered with stylized waves, temple towers in the background, gold embossing on sacred-water motifs and inscriptions of Kanakā, Suprabhā, Nandā, Prācī, Sarasvatī.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tranquil Pushkar Lake with delicate ripples, soft mist, refined facial features of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa; cool blues and grays with warm saffron accents, Aravalli hills and small shrines painted with lyrical naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold-lined Rāma in serene posture offering water-libations, stylized ghats and shrines, strong red-yellow-green palette; sacred stream names suggested as decorative bands around the scene, temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical ghat scene framed by lotus borders; deep blue lake with gold highlights, peacocks near the steps, floral motifs; Rāma centered in devotional composition, sacred stream names woven into ornamental patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["flowing water","ghat bells","soft conch","distant chanting","morning birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: रामोऽतर्पयत् = रामः + अतर्पयत्; चैव = च + एव.
FAQs
It situates Rāma’s ritual activity at Puṣkara and associates the site with multiple named sacred waters (Kanakā, Suprabhā, Nandā, Prācī, Sarasvatī), reflecting how Purāṇas map holiness through networks of rivers/streams and pilgrimage locations.
Bhakti here is expressed through disciplined sacred practice: Rāma performs tarpana “vidhivat” (according to rule), showing devotion that is reverent, orderly, and rooted in traditional ritual conduct at a holy tīrtha.
The verse highlights the value of doing sacred duties properly—careful observance (vidhi) and respect for holy places and traditions—presenting ritual responsibility and humility as virtues.