Shloka 52
Description of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Tīrthas
Kurukṣetra-yātrā-krama
सुतीर्थके नरः स्नात्वा देवर्षिपितृमानवान् । समभ्यर्च्याश्वमेधस्य यज्ञस्य फलमाप्नुयात् ॥ ५२ ॥
sutīrthake naraḥ snātvā devarṣipitṛmānavān | samabhyarcyāśvamedhasya yajñasya phalamāpnuyāt || 52 ||
सुतीर्थक येथे स्नान करून जो देव, देवर्षी, पितर आणि मानव-अतिथी यांचे विधिपूर्वक पूजन करतो, तो अश्वमेध यज्ञाचे फळ प्राप्त करतो॥५२॥
Narada (teaching in a Tirtha-Mahatmya section; traditional dialogue setting with Sanatkumara is implied for Book 2 narratives)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"bhakti","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_journey":"From purifying bath to expansive reverence toward all recipients of honor (devas, ṛṣis, pitṛs, guests), culminating in the lofty promise of Aśvamedha merit."}
FAQs
It teaches that tīrtha-snāna (bathing at a sacred ford) becomes spiritually complete when joined with reverence to devas, ṛṣis, pitṛs, and human guests—yielding merit comparable to an Aśvamedha.
While framed as a pilgrimage act, it emphasizes devotional reverence (archana) and gratitude toward sacred beings and dependents; such honoring is a practical expression of bhakti and dharmic humility.
It reflects Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Dharmaśāstra-style conduct: tīrtha-snāna, proper worship/offerings, and the ethic of honoring pitṛs and atithis (human guests) as part of ritual completeness.