Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 196
The Description of the Skanda Purāṇa’s Anukramaṇī
Index/Summary
चंद्रप्रभासर्पिडोदश्रीमाताशुक्लतीर्थजम् । कात्यायन्याश्च माहात्म्यं ततः पिंडारकस्य च ॥ १९६ ॥
caṃdraprabhāsarpiḍodaśrīmātāśuklatīrthajam | kātyāyanyāśca māhātmyaṃ tataḥ piṃḍārakasya ca || 196 ||
Kemudian dihuraikan tempat-tempat suci—Candraprabhā, Sarpiḍoda, Śrīmātā dan Śuklatīrtha—serta kemuliaan (māhātmya) Dewi Kātyāyanī; dan selepas itu, kemuliaan Piṇḍāraka juga.
Sage Narada (enumerating topics/sections to be covered, addressed within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
This verse functions as an anukramaṇikā (topic index), pointing the reader toward multiple tīrtha-māhātmyas and the sanctifying glory of Goddess Kātyāyanī, emphasizing that pilgrimage and devotion to the Devī are recognized means for accruing puṇya and purification.
Bhakti is implied through the explicit mention of Kātyāyanī’s māhātmya: the Purāṇa signals devotional engagement—hearing, remembering, and visiting sacred sites connected with the Devī—as a valid religious practice that supports inner purification and dharmic life.
The verse mainly highlights Purāṇic tīrtha-dharma rather than a specific Vedāṅga; practically, it supports correct ritual orientation—knowing named tīrthas and their māhātmyas for pilgrimage planning, vrata observance, and merit-oriented rites.