Shloka 48
Narmadā Pilgrimage Itinerary: Sequence of Tīrthas, Rites, and Fruits
तं तु तीर्थानि सर्वाणि अभिषिंचंति पांडव । नर्मदा च सदा प्रीता भवेद्वै नात्र संशयः
taṃ tu tīrthāni sarvāṇi abhiṣiṃcaṃti pāṃḍava | narmadā ca sadā prītā bhavedvai nātra saṃśayaḥ
ஓ பாண்டவா! எல்லா தீர்த்தங்களும் அவனை அபிஷேகம் செய்கின்றன; நர்மதா நதியும் எப்போதும் அவன்மேல் பிரசன்னமாக இருக்கும்—இதில் ஐயமில்லை.
Unspecified narrator addressing a Pāṇḍava (contextual addressee: likely Bhīṣma in a Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue, but not explicit in the provided excerpt).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अभिषिञ्चन्ति is standard spelling; given text has अभिषिंचंति (anusvāra for ñc). भवेत् + वै → भवेद्वै; न + अत्र → नात्र
FAQs
It portrays tīrthas as spiritually responsive: a worthy person is symbolically “anointed” or consecrated by all pilgrimage places, implying their accumulated merit and sanctifying power converge upon him.
Narmadā is singled out as a living sacred presence (a devī-river) whose favor is assured toward such a person, reinforcing her status as a major tīrtha and a bestower of spiritual benefit.
The verse implies that spiritual purity and right conduct (or sincere devotion) make one fit for consecration; true sanctity is not only sought at holy places but is also ‘recognized’ by them.