Shloka 2
Dāna-vrata and the Tīrtha Circuit of Venkaṭādri
Snāna, Mantra, Naivedya
किन्नामेयं नदी विप्र किं कार्यं चात्र मे वद / जैगीषव्यस्त्वेवमुक्तो वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह
kinnāmeyaṃ nadī vipra kiṃ kāryaṃ cātra me vada / jaigīṣavyastvevamukto vākyametaduvāca ha
“ਹੇ ਵਿਪ੍ਰ! ਇਸ ਨਦੀ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ? ਅਤੇ ਇੱਥੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਕੀ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ, ਇਹ ਵੀ ਦੱਸੋ।” ਇਉਂ ਕਹੇ ਜਾਣ ’ਤੇ ਜੈਗੀਸ਼ਵ੍ਯ ਨੇ ਇਹ ਬਚਨ ਆਖੇ।
An unnamed questioner (traveler/seeker) addressing Sage Jaigīṣavya; narration notes Jaigīṣavya’s reply begins
Concept: Right practice depends on right knowledge: knowing the tirtha’s name/identity and the prescribed actions there.
Vedantic Theme: Pramāṇa and sampradāya: dharma is subtle and is learned through inquiry to the knowledgeable (jijñāsā → upadeśa).
Application: Ask precise questions about place, procedure, and purpose before performing vows, pilgrimages, or donations.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha-nadi
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: tīrtha-mahātmyas framed as question–answer dialogues (general internal pattern)
FAQs
This verse frames a key teaching moment: identifying a specific river on the post-death route and clarifying the prescribed duty (kārya), which typically points to rites or conduct needed for safe passage.
It presents the journey as structured with landmarks (like a river) where guidance is necessary; the sage’s forthcoming explanation indicates that the after-death path involves defined stages and required actions.
It encourages seeking correct guidance on dharma and funeral/ancestral observances (e.g., śrāddha, piṇḍa-dāna) rather than acting from confusion, emphasizing informed ritual and ethical living.