Shloka 63
Narmadā–Tīrtha-Māhātmya: Sequence of Sacred Fords and Their Fruits
ततो गच्छेत राजेन्द्र तापसेश्वरमुत्तमम् / तत्र स्नात्वा तु राजेन्द्र प्राप्नुयात् तपसः फलम्
tato gaccheta rājendra tāpaseśvaramuttamam / tatra snātvā tu rājendra prāpnuyāt tapasaḥ phalam
Kemudian, wahai raja segala raja, hendaklah pergi kepada Tapaseśvara yang utama—Tuhan para pertapa. Setelah mandi suci di sana, wahai raja yang mulia, seseorang memperoleh buah tapas (laku pertapaan).
Sūta (narrating the tīrtha-instructions as taught by the Purāṇic tradition to the royal inquirer)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It implies that realization is supported by disciplines that purify the mind: tapas and tīrtha-bathing are presented as means to gain the “fruit of austerity,” which traditionally culminates in inner clarity conducive to knowing the Self.
The verse highlights tapas (austerity, self-discipline) and tīrtha-snāna (ritual bathing at a sacred site) as preparatory yogic observances—outer restraints that strengthen inner practice, aligning with Purāṇic and Pāśupata-leaning frameworks of purification.
By venerating Īśvara at a sacred ascetic-shrine while remaining within the Kurma Purana’s Vaiṣṇava narration, it reflects the text’s synthetic stance: devotion to Īśvara (often Śaiva in tīrtha-contexts) is not opposed to Vaiṣṇava piety but harmonized through shared dharma and purification.