Shloka 37
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
षोडशांशं स लभते यः परार्थेन गच्छति । अर्द्धं तीर्थफलं तस्य यः प्रसंगेन गच्छति ॥ ३७ ॥
ṣoḍaśāṃśaṃ sa labhate yaḥ parārthena gacchati | arddhaṃ tīrthaphalaṃ tasya yaḥ prasaṃgena gacchati || 37 ||
Aquele que vai em peregrinação por finalidade de outrem obtém apenas a décima sexta parte do mérito. Mas quem vai por convivência, companhia ou circunstância alcança metade do fruto do tīrtha.
Narada (teaching in the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha-mahātmya context; traditional dialogue frame with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches that tīrtha-yātrā is not only a physical journey; the inner intention (bhāva) determines the measure of merit, so going without one’s own spiritual aim yields reduced fruit.
By implying that sincere orientation toward sacred purpose matters, it supports the bhakti principle that heartfelt intent and conscious turning toward the sacred bring greater spiritual benefit than merely accompanying others.
It highlights dharma-śāstric reasoning about karma-phala—how motive and saṅga (association) modify results—useful for ritual decision-making rather than a technical lesson in a specific Vedāṅga.