Shloka 4
Merits of Vitastā, Devikā, Rudrakoṭī and Sarasvatī Sacred Fords
ततो गच्छेत मलदं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् । पश्चिमायां तु संध्यायामुपस्पृश्य यथाविधि
tato gaccheta maladaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutam | paścimāyāṃ tu saṃdhyāyāmupaspṛśya yathāvidhi
అనంతరం త్రిలోకములలో ప్రసిద్ధమైన మలద తీర్థమునకు వెళ్లవలెను. సాయంకాల సంధ్యాసమయంలో పశ్చిమాభిముఖుడై విధివిధానంగా ఆచమనం-ఉపస్పర్శనం చేయవలెను.
Unspecified (narrative injunction within a pilgrimage/tīrtha context)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यथाविधि = यथा + विधि (अव्ययीभाव); संध्यायामुपस्पृश्य = संध्यायाम् + उपस्पृश्य
FAQs
It points to Malada as a recognized pilgrimage site, described as “renowned in the three worlds,” reflecting the Purana’s mapping of sacred landscapes through tīrtha lists and travel instructions.
Rather than explicit devotional theology, it emphasizes disciplined sacred routine—proper timing (evening sandhyā) and correct procedure (yathāvidhi)—which in Purāṇic practice supports devotion through regulated worship and purification.
The ethical thrust is obedience to dharmic order: undertaking pilgrimage with reverence, observing prescribed rites, and maintaining regularity and purity in one’s conduct.