Shloka 3
Account of Various Sacred Tīrthas
Pilgrimage Merits and Prayāga Supremacy
करतोयां समासाद्य त्रिरात्रोपोषितो नरः । अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति शक्रलोकं च गच्छति
karatoyāṃ samāsādya trirātropoṣito naraḥ | aśvamedhamavāpnoti śakralokaṃ ca gacchati
Sesiapa yang sampai ke Sungai Karatoyā lalu berpuasa tiga malam, memperoleh pahala seperti yajña Aśvamedha dan pergi ke loka Śakra.
Unspecified narrator (Purāṇic discourse context)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्रिरात्रोपोषितो → त्रिरात्र + उपोषितः; अश्वमेधमवाप्नोति → अश्वमेधम् + अवाप्नोति
FAQs
It presents the Karatoyā as a highly meritorious sacred place where a relatively accessible practice (a three-night fast) can yield extraordinary spiritual merit.
The Aśvamedha functions as a benchmark for supreme ritual merit; the verse elevates the tīrtha-vrata by stating it grants merit comparable to that major Vedic sacrifice.
It encourages disciplined self-restraint (fasting) combined with pilgrimage/holy association, portraying inner austerity as a potent means to spiritual reward.