Shloka 38
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
तीर्थेषु ब्राह्मणं नैव परीक्षेत कदाचन । अत्रार्थिनमनुप्राप्तं भोज्यं तं मनुरब्रवीत् ॥ ३८ ॥
tīrtheṣu brāhmaṇaṃ naiva parīkṣeta kadācana | atrārthinamanuprāptaṃ bhojyaṃ taṃ manurabravīt || 38 ||
Di tempat-tempat tīrtha, jangan sekali-kali menguji atau menyelidik seorang Brāhmaṇa. Di sini Manu telah menyatakan bahawa orang yang berhajat dan datang memohon pertolongan hendaklah diberi makan.
Narada (teaching in the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahatmya context; citing Manu as authority)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches tirtha-dharma: pilgrimage is fulfilled not only by bathing or worship, but by compassionate conduct—especially honoring Brahmanas and feeding those who come in need.
Bhakti is expressed through seva (service). By feeding the needy at a tirtha without suspicion or harsh judgment, one practices humility and compassion—qualities that support Vishnu-bhakti and purify the heart.
It reflects Kalpa/Dharma-shastra practice: rules of right conduct at sacred rites and places—specifically, atithi-seva (hospitality) and dana (charity) as obligatory tirtha observances.