Shloka 40
Description of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Tīrthas
Kurukṣetra-yātrā-krama
कपिलश्च महायक्षो द्वारपालोऽत्र संस्थितः । विघ्नं करोति पापानां सुकृतं च प्रयच्छति ॥ ४० ॥
kapilaśca mahāyakṣo dvārapālo'tra saṃsthitaḥ | vighnaṃ karoti pāpānāṃ sukṛtaṃ ca prayacchati || 40 ||
अत्र द्वारपालरूपेण महायक्षः कपिलः संस्थितः। स पापिनां विघ्नं करोति, सुकृतिनां च पुण्यं प्रयच्छति॥
Narada (in dialogue context with the Sanatkumara tradition; narrated as tirtha-mahatmya instruction)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It presents the tirtha-guardian principle: a sacred site is protected by a spiritual gatekeeper who obstructs those driven by sin and supports those aligned with dharma, indicating that inner purity determines access to sacred benefit.
By implying eligibility: sincere, virtuous intent and reverence (bhakti-bhāva) invite grace and merit, while irreverent or harmful motives meet obstruction—devotion is shown as a qualifying attitude for receiving spiritual fruit.
Ritual discipline (kalpa-oriented practice) is implied: approaching a tirtha requires correct conduct—purificatory acts, restraint, and right intention—so that the visit yields sukṛta (puṇya) rather than impediment.