Shloka 18
The Determination of the Extent of the Sacred Field and Related Matters
Kurukṣetra Māhātmya
यत्र तत्र समायाता प्लक्षजाता सरस्वती । सा सभाज्य स्तुता तेन मुनिना धार्मिकेण ह ॥ १८ ॥
yatra tatra samāyātā plakṣajātā sarasvatī | sā sabhājya stutā tena muninā dhārmikeṇa ha || 18 ||
जिथे तिथे प्लक्षवृक्षजाता सरस्वती येऊन पोहोचली. त्या धर्मात्म्या मुनीने तिचा विधिपूर्वक सत्कार करून स्तुती केली.
Narada (narrating the Tirtha-Mahatmya section in Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"bhakti","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_journey":"A gentle movement through sacred space culminates in reverent reception and praise of the goddess-river."}
FAQs
It highlights tirtha-sevā as dharma: sacred waters are approached as living divinity, to be received with reverence (sabhājya) and praised (stuti), which sanctifies the pilgrim and the place.
Bhakti is expressed here as respectful reception and heartfelt praise of a divine manifestation (Sarasvatī). The verse models devotion through honoring and glorifying the deity present in a tirtha.
The practical takeaway aligns with kalpa (ritual procedure): proper upacāra—welcoming, honoring, and reciting stuti—forms the correct etiquette for tirtha worship even without elaborate rites.