Shloka 24
Description of the Rules for Charitable Gifts and Related Rites
Gaṅgā-māhātmya
विष्णोः शिवस्य सूर्य्यस्य दुर्गाया ब्रह्मणस्तथा । गंगातीरे प्रतिष्ठां तु यः करोति नरोत्तमः ॥ २४ ॥
viṣṇoḥ śivasya sūryyasya durgāyā brahmaṇastathā | gaṃgātīre pratiṣṭhāṃ tu yaḥ karoti narottamaḥ || 24 ||
O melhor dos homens que realiza a consagração (pratiṣṭhā) na margem do Gaṅgā para Viṣṇu, Śiva, Sūrya, Durgā e também Brahmā, alcança grande mérito religioso.
Narada (within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue; Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahatmya narration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It highlights Gaṅgā-tīra as a supremely meritorious tirtha where installing and consecrating deities (pratiṣṭhā) becomes a powerful act of dharma, amplifying the fruit of worship through the sanctity of the river.
By recommending consecration and worship of major deities—especially Viṣṇu—at a sacred tirtha, it frames bhakti as both inner reverence and outward, community-sustaining service (temple installation, ongoing archana) performed in a holy setting.
Ritual practice is central: pratiṣṭhā implies correct kalpa/ācāra (procedural injunctions) and auspicious timing (muhūrta, often informed by jyotiṣa) for installing images and establishing regular worship on a tirtha like the Gaṅgā.