Shloka 21
The Glory of Śrāddha at Sacred Fords and the Determination of the Kutapa Time
कुरुक्षेत्राच्चद्विगुणं तस्मिन्स्नानादिकं भवेत् । शुक्लतीर्थं तु विख्यातं तीर्थं सोमेश्वरं परम्
kurukṣetrāccadviguṇaṃ tasminsnānādikaṃ bhavet | śuklatīrthaṃ tu vikhyātaṃ tīrthaṃ someśvaraṃ param
कुरुक्षेत्रात् द्विगुणं पुण्यं तत्र भवति; तस्मिन् स्नानादिकं कृतं तादृशं फलदं भवेत्। तत् तीर्थं शुक्लतीर्थमिति विख्यातं, तत्र परमं तीर्थं सोमेश्वरं स्मृतम्॥
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (context needed to confirm the dialogue frame, e.g., Pulastya–Bhīṣma or Śiva–Pārvatī).
Concept: Snāna and rites at certain tīrthas multiply merit beyond even famed Kurukṣetra; place + practice together intensify dharma-phala.
Application: Approach pilgrimage as disciplined sādhanā: bathe with mantra, perform tarpaṇa/śrāddha/dāna as appropriate, and keep vows of truthfulness and restraint during tīrtha-stay.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At Śukla-tīrtha, pilgrims descend broad white-stone steps into clear water, performing snāna while priests chant; the water gleams as if infused with moonlight. On a nearby rise stands the Someśvara shrine, its liṅga sanctum glowing, while a subtle vision of Kurukṣetra’s battlefield-field appears in the sky as a comparison—then fades, implying this tīrtha’s doubled merit.","primary_figures":["Pilgrims","Priests","Someśvara (liṅga in shrine)"],"setting":"White-stone ghāṭa at a tīrtha ford with an adjacent Someshvara temple; ritual platforms with lamps and offerings.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["pearl white","moon-silver","deep indigo","saffron","emerald"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Radiant Someśvara temple with gold-leaf sanctum and ornate pillars; white ghāṭa steps with pilgrims in devotional poses; shimmering water rendered with gold highlights; a faint gold-framed vignette of Kurukṣetra in the upper background; rich reds/greens, gem-like ornamentation on lamps and vessels.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Cool moonlit ford with delicate ripples; pilgrims wrapped in simple cloth, priests with small lamps; Someshvara shrine nestled among trees; subtle atmospheric perspective and refined faces; pale whites and indigos dominate with warm saffron accents.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Strong outlines; stylized white ghāṭa and blue water bands; Someshvara liṅga centered with halo; devotees in rhythmic procession; traditional pigment palette with dramatic contrast and temple-wall compositional symmetry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Central temple motif with surrounding lotus-ringed water; devotees arranged in circular pradakṣiṇā-like rhythm; intricate borders of white lotuses (śukla symbolism), peacocks, and lamp motifs; deep blue ground with gold and pearl accents."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","conch shell","chanting","water splashes","drone of tanpura"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कुरुक्षेत्राच्चद्विगुणं → कुरुक्षेत्रात् + च + द्विगुणम्; तस्मिन्स्नानादिकं → तस्मिन् + स्नानादिकम् (न् + स्);
FAQs
It maps sanctity onto specific named locations—Śukla-tīrtha and the shrine Someśvara—while using Kurukṣetra as a benchmark, showing how Purāṇic texts rank and network pilgrimage sites across regions.
By directing attention to a named sacred place and deity-associated shrine (Someśvara), it frames devotion as embodied practice—pilgrimage, bathing, and worship—where faith is expressed through ritual acts at consecrated locations.
The verse encourages disciplined sacred conduct: undertaking purifying acts (bathing and allied observances) with reverence, suggesting that sincere practice in a holy setting amplifies spiritual benefit.