Agni Purana — Bhuvanakosha & Tirtha-mahatmya, Shloka 4
अध्याय ११५ — गयायात्राविधिः
Procedure for the Pilgrimage to Gayā
किं कुरुक्षेत्रवासेन यदा पुत्रो गयां व्रजेत् गयाप्राप्तं सुतं दृष्ट्वा पितॄणामुत्सवो भवेत्
kiṃ kurukṣetravāsena yadā putro gayāṃ vrajet gayāprāptaṃ sutaṃ dṛṣṭvā pitṝṇāmutsavo bhavet
เมื่อบุตรไปยังคยาแล้ว การพำนักที่กุรุเกษตรจะมีประโยชน์อันใด? ครั้นปิตฤทั้งหลายได้เห็นบุตรผู้ไปถึงคยา ก็ย่อมยินดีรื่นเริงดุจงานมหรสพ।
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic tirtha-mahātmya material to Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purāṇa’s dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Vrata","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Emphasizes the special efficacy of a son’s pilgrimage to Gayā for pitṛ-satisfaction, even compared to residence at Kurukṣetra; motivates descendants to perform Gayā-śrāddha for lineage welfare.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Gayā-prāpti of the son as Pitṛ-utsava (ancestral rejoicing)","lookup_keywords":["Kurukṣetra-vāsa","Gayā-yātrā","putra-dharma","pitṛ-utsava","śrāddha-phala"],"quick_summary":"The verse elevates a son’s reaching Gayā as a direct cause of ancestral joy, implying that Gayā-acts can outweigh other meritorious residencies for pitṛ-purpose."}
Alamkara Type: Prashna (rhetorical question)
Concept: Filial duty (putra-dharma) expressed through pilgrimage and śrāddha is portrayed as a potent means of repaying ancestral debt (pitṛ-ṛṇa).
Application: If unable to perform extensive austerities, ensure a descendant performs Gayā-related pitṛ-kriyā; cultivate family continuity of śrāddha observance.
Khanda Section: Tirtha-mahatmya (Pilgrimage merit; Shraddha and Pitr-karya)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: Tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A son arriving at Gayā’s sacred precincts/ghāṭ, carrying offerings for śrāddha, while subtle ancestral figures appear above, rejoicing like a festival (utsava); Kurukṣetra is shown as a distant alternative backdrop.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: Gayā ghāṭ with riverbank steps, the son with piṇḍa-plate and tila-water pot, translucent Pitṛs in the sky celebrating with garlands, distant Kurukṣetra field motif, bold lines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: central figure of the son at Gayā with gold-leaf on ritual vessels, Pitṛs in an upper register with ornate halos, decorative arch framing the tīrtha, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: gentle instructional scene—son at ghāṭ preparing piṇḍas, priest guiding, ancestors shown faintly above; soft palette and fine detailing of ritual items.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed riverside ceremony at Gayā with priest and son, offerings arranged, ethereal ancestors in clouds celebrating; distant landscape panel hinting at Kurukṣetra plains."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"epic"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पितॄणामुत्सवो → पितॄणाम् + उत्सवः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Gayā-māhātmya passages on piṇḍa-dāna fruits; Agni Purana: Kurukṣetra-māhātmya / tīrtha lists (where present)
FAQs
It highlights the ritual priority of Gayā for pitṛ-kārya (ancestral rites): a son’s going to Gayā is presented as especially efficacious for pleasing the Pitṛs.
It exemplifies the Purāṇa’s tirtha-mahātmya and dharma content—cataloguing sacred geography and the comparative merits of pilgrimage sites tied to śrāddha, tarpaṇa, and ancestral welfare.
The verse teaches that actions benefiting one’s ancestors—especially through Gayā-related rites—generate strong spiritual merit by bringing satisfaction and upliftment to the Pitṛs.