Shloka 102
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
यो वा तीर्थे वह्निसंज्ञे च देवि भक्त्या स्नानं कुरुते ऽजं स्मरन्हि / ज्ञानद्वारा मोक्षमाप्नोति देवि तत्र स्नानं दुर्ल्लभं वै नृणां च
yo vā tīrthe vahnisaṃjñe ca devi bhaktyā snānaṃ kurute 'jaṃ smaranhi / jñānadvārā mokṣamāpnoti devi tatra snānaṃ durllabhaṃ vai nṛṇāṃ ca
देवि, यो वा वह्निसंज्ञे तीर्थे भक्त्या स्नानं कृत्वा अजं स्मरन्, ज्ञानद्वारेण मोक्षमाप्नोति; किन्तु देवि, तत्र स्नानं नृणां दुर्लभमेव।
Lord Vishnu (addressing Devi as presented in this verse’s wording)
Concept: Tirtha-snāna performed with bhakti and Ajā-smaraṇa becomes a jñāna-dvāra culminating in moksha; true efficacy depends on inner remembrance, not mere ritual.
Vedantic Theme: Moksha through jñāna supported by upāsanā (smaraṇa/bhakti); purification as an aid to knowledge (antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi).
Application: When visiting sacred waters, pair the act with focused remembrance of the divine and contemplation; treat pilgrimage as a discipline for inner clarity rather than tourism.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha (sacred ford)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.26.103-105 (durlabhatā of tirtha-bath and Śālagrāma-dāna; equivalence of alternatives)
FAQs
This verse links holy bathing done with bhakti and remembrance of the Unborn (Ajā) to moksha, emphasizing that the inner orientation (devotion + remembrance) is what makes the act liberating.
It states that liberation is attained “through the gate of knowledge” (jñāna-dvāra), supported by devotional practice—bathing at a tīrtha while keeping the Supreme in mind.
Treat rituals like pilgrimage bathing as aids to remembrance and self-knowledge: perform them with sincere devotion, contemplation of the Divine, and a commitment to inner purification.