Shloka 5
Pilgrimage Itinerary and Merits: Sindhu–Sarasvatī–Ocean Confluences and Named Tīrthas
पृथिव्या यत्र वै छिद्रं पूर्वमासीद्युधिष्ठिर । तत्राश्रमो वसिष्ठस्य त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतं
pṛthivyā yatra vai chidraṃ pūrvamāsīdyudhiṣṭhira | tatrāśramo vasiṣṭhasya triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaṃ
ഹേ യുധിഷ്ഠിരാ, ഭൂമിയിൽ മുമ്പ് ഒരു പിളർപ്പ് ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന സ്ഥലത്താണ് വസിഷ്ഠ മഹർഷിയുടെ ആശ്രമം; അത് ത്രിലോകങ്ങളിലും പ്രസിദ്ധമാണ്.
Unspecified narrator addressing Yudhiṣṭhira (dialogue context not provided in the input)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पूर्वम्+आसीत्→पूर्वमासीद्; आसीत्+युधिष्ठिर→आसीद्युधिष्ठिर; तत्र+आश्रमः→तत्राश्रमः; विश्रुतम् (पादान्ते)→विश्रुतं
FAQs
It links a distinctive physical landmark—an ancient fissure in the earth—with a sanctified site, Vasiṣṭha’s āśrama, showing how Purāṇic sacred geography anchors holiness in recognizable places and features.
Rather than prescribing a direct bhakti practice, it supports devotional culture indirectly by venerating a revered sage’s hermitage as “famous in the three worlds,” encouraging pilgrimage, reverence, and remembrance—common supports of bhakti life.
The verse elevates respect for sages and sacred learning-centers: honoring places associated with exemplary ṛṣis like Vasiṣṭha reinforces humility, seeking guidance, and valuing dharma-preserving traditions.