Shloka 3
Narmadā Pilgrimage Itinerary: Sequence of Tīrthas, Rites, and Fruits
अश्वतीर्थं ततो गच्छेत्स्नानं तत्र समाचरेत् । सुभगो दर्शनीयश्च भोगवान्जायते नरः
aśvatīrthaṃ tato gacchetsnānaṃ tatra samācaret | subhago darśanīyaśca bhogavānjāyate naraḥ
แล้วพึงไปยังอัศวตีรถะ และประกอบพิธีอาบน้ำชำระที่นั่นโดยถูกต้อง ด้วยอานิสงส์นั้น บุรุษย่อมเกิดเป็นผู้มีโชค งามน่าดู และเปี่ยมด้วยความสุขสมบัติ
Unspecified (narrative instruction within a tīrtha-māhātmya section; commonly framed as Pulastya instructing Bhīṣma in the Svargakhaṇḍa)
Concept: Tīrtha-snāna, performed as a dharmic act, ripens into auspicious embodied outcomes and a refined life.
Application: Undertake pilgrimages (or local sacred bathing/ablutions) with intention and restraint; treat bodily care and prosperity as offerings to dharma, not ego.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A pilgrim arrives at Aśvatīrtha where an ancient aśvattha tree leans over a clear ford. He steps into the water at dawn, hands folded, while subtle divine light seems to rise from the ripples, suggesting the tīrtha’s unseen potency that grants auspiciousness and a radiant countenance.","primary_figures":["pilgrim (nara)","tīrtha-devatā (subtle presence)","optional: sage-guide indicating the ford"],"setting":"river/ford with stone ghāṭa steps, an aśvattha tree, small shrine with a Viṣṇu emblem (śaṅkha-cakra) nearby","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron gold","river jade","ash-grey stone","lotus pink","deep indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Aśvatīrtha snāna at a stone ghāṭa beneath a sacred aśvattha tree, pilgrim with folded hands entering shimmering water; small Viṣṇu shrine with śaṅkha-cakra behind; heavy gold leaf on halos and water highlights, rich vermilion and emerald textiles, ornate borders, gem-studded ornaments on the shrine icon, South Indian architectural motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: A quiet riverside ford under an aśvattha tree, pilgrim bathing at dawn with delicate ripples; soft Himalayan-like hills in the distance, lyrical naturalism, cool greens and blues, refined facial features, thin white outlines for water sparkle, small shrine tucked among flowering shrubs.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Bold outlined pilgrim at the tīrtha steps, stylized aśvattha leaves forming a canopy, sacred water rendered in flat green-blue bands; temple lamp motifs and a small Viṣṇu emblem; warm red-yellow-green palette with characteristic large eyes and rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Aśvatīrtha rendered as a lotus-filled ford with ornate floral borders; peacocks on the ghāṭa railings, stylized waves; central pilgrim in devotion, and a small Viṣṇu symbol framed by lotuses; deep blue background with gold detailing and intricate vine patterns."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","temple bells","morning birds","soft conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गच्छेत्स्नानं = गच्छेत् + स्नानम्; भोगवान्जायते = भोगवान् + जायते.
FAQs
It instructs the pilgrim to go to Aśvatīrtha and perform snāna (a proper ritual bath) there.
The verse promises that a person becomes (or is born) fortunate (subhaga), attractive/pleasing to behold (darśanīya), and endowed with enjoyments or prosperity (bhogavān).
It is a concise phala-śruti typical of tīrtha-māhātmya passages: a prescribed act (pilgrimage and bathing) followed by a stated merit (auspiciousness, beauty, and worldly well-being).