Shloka 18
The Greatness of Haridvāra
Gaṅgādvāra-māhātmya
ततस्तत्तीर्थमतुलं सर्वपातकनाशनम् । जातं यत्राप्लुतः सोमो मुक्तो यक्ष्मग्रहादभूत् ॥ १८ ॥
tatastattīrthamatulaṃ sarvapātakanāśanam | jātaṃ yatrāplutaḥ somo mukto yakṣmagrahādabhūt || 18 ||
அதன்பின் ஒப்பற்ற தீர்த்தம் தோன்றியது; அது எல்லாப் பாவங்களையும் அழிப்பது—அங்கே நீராடிய சோமன் யக்ஷ்மா-கிரகம் (க்ஷய நோய் பிடிப்பு) இருந்து விடுதலை பெற்றான்.
Narada (in dialogue with the Sanatkumara brothers, narrating a Tirtha-Mahatmya)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It proclaims a specific tīrtha as “incomparable” and “destroyer of all sins,” emphasizing that sacred bathing (snāna) performed there functions as a powerful act of purification and expiation (prāyaścitta).
While it highlights tīrtha-snana, the underlying bhakti framework is faith in dharma and sacred places connected with divine beings; Soma’s deliverance illustrates how sincere, reverent observance at a holy site brings grace-like relief from suffering.
It chiefly reflects Kalpa (ritual practice) through tīrtha-snana as a purificatory rite; the term “graha” also echoes traditional astrological/ritual language for afflictive forces, though the verse itself centers on the ritual remedy (bathing at the tīrtha).