Shloka 4
Pilgrimage Sequence on Sacred Fords (Narmadā Region): Bhṛgu-tīrtha, Śiva-vratas, and Merit Amplification
ततो गच्छेत राजेंद्र कपिलातीर्थमुत्तमम् । तत्र स्नात्वा नरो राजन्गोसहस्रफलं लभेत्
tato gaccheta rājeṃdra kapilātīrthamuttamam | tatra snātvā naro rājangosahasraphalaṃ labhet
Então, ó melhor dos reis, deve-se ir ao excelso vau sagrado chamado Kapilā-tīrtha. Tendo-se banhado ali, ó rei, o homem alcança o mérito equivalente à dádiva de mil vacas.
Unspecified (narrator addressing a king, likely within a pilgrimage discourse)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कपिलातीर्थमुत्तमम् = कपिलातीर्थम् + उत्तमम्; राजन्गोसहस्रफलं = राजन् + गोसहस्रफलम्
FAQs
It maps a specific pilgrimage point—Kapilā-tīrtha—within the Svarga-khaṇḍa’s tīrtha itinerary, presenting sacred geography as a sequence of recommended destinations and rites (here, bathing).
While not explicitly devotional in language, it frames sacred action (tīrtha-yātrā and snāna) as a meritorious practice endorsed by scripture, encouraging reverent participation in holy places as a supportive limb of devotional life.
It promotes accessible, non-harmful religious merit through purification and pilgrimage, and it highlights the traditional valuation of generosity (the ‘thousand cows’ benchmark) by equating tīrtha-bathing merit with a renowned form of charitable giving.