Shloka 5
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
वामदेवः स्वयं भूयाद्वामतीर्थं ततः स्मृतम् । प्रार्थितोऽथ महानद्यां रामस्नातोऽभवद्यदा ॥ ५ ॥
vāmadevaḥ svayaṃ bhūyādvāmatīrthaṃ tataḥ smṛtam | prārthito'tha mahānadyāṃ rāmasnāto'bhavadyadā || 5 ||
वामदेवः स्वयं तत्राभवत्, तस्मात् तत् वामतीर्थम् इति स्मृतम्। अथ प्रार्थिते सति, यदा स महानद्यां रामः स्नातोऽभवत् तदा॥
Suta (narrating Purāṇic account; Uttara-bhāga tirtha-mahātmya style)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It grounds the sanctity of Vāmatīrtha in a direct manifestation of Vāmadeva and links the site to Rāma’s purifying river-bath, establishing the tīrtha as a place where divine presence and ritual purification converge.
Bhakti is implied through remembrance (smṛti) of the sacred event and honoring the tīrtha: devotees approach holy places with reverence, request blessings, and perform snāna as an outward act of inner surrender and faith.
The verse emphasizes ritual practice (snāna at a tīrtha) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; it aligns most with Kalpa-style conduct—proper performance of purificatory rites connected to sacred geography.