Shloka 52
Description of the Pilgrimage to the Sacred Tīrthas
Kurukṣetra-yātrā-krama
सुतीर्थके नरः स्नात्वा देवर्षिपितृमानवान् । समभ्यर्च्याश्वमेधस्य यज्ञस्य फलमाप्नुयात् ॥ ५२ ॥
sutīrthake naraḥ snātvā devarṣipitṛmānavān | samabhyarcyāśvamedhasya yajñasya phalamāpnuyāt || 52 ||
சுதீர்த்தகத்தில் நீராடி, தேவர்கள், தேவரிஷிகள், பித்ருக்கள் மற்றும் மனித விருந்தினர்களை முறையாக வழிபடுவோர் அஸ்வமேத யாகத்தின் பலனை அடைவர்॥52॥
Narada (teaching in a Tirtha-Mahatmya section; traditional dialogue setting with Sanatkumara is implied for Book 2 narratives)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that tīrtha-snāna (bathing at a sacred ford) becomes spiritually complete when joined with reverence to devas, ṛṣis, pitṛs, and human guests—yielding merit comparable to an Aśvamedha.
While framed as a pilgrimage act, it emphasizes devotional reverence (archana) and gratitude toward sacred beings and dependents; such honoring is a practical expression of bhakti and dharmic humility.
It reflects Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Dharmaśāstra-style conduct: tīrtha-snāna, proper worship/offerings, and the ethic of honoring pitṛs and atithis (human guests) as part of ritual completeness.