Shloka 21
The Greatness of Kāśī (Kāśī-māhātmya) and Avimukta’s Liberative Power
पिंगला नाम यत्तीर्थं आग्नेयी सा प्रकीर्तिता । शुष्का सरिच्च सा ज्ञेया लोकार्को यत्र तिष्ठति ॥ २१ ॥
piṃgalā nāma yattīrthaṃ āgneyī sā prakīrtitā | śuṣkā saricca sā jñeyā lokārko yatra tiṣṭhati || 21 ||
Ang banal na tawiran (tīrtha) ay tinatawag na Piṅgalā, at tanyag na nasa dako ng Āgneya, ang panig ni Agni. Alamin ding ito’y tulad ng ilog na natuyo, na doo’y nananahan ang “araw ng mga daigdig” (lokārka).
Narada (describing Uttara-Bhaga tirthas in dialogue context with Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It identifies Piṅgalā as a specific tīrtha with Āgneya (Agni-associated) potency, presenting it as a locus of divine radiance (“lokārka”), emphasizing sacred geography as a means of dharma and purification.
While not explicitly teaching bhakti practices, it frames a pilgrimage site as a place where divine presence “abides,” encouraging reverent visitation, remembrance, and worship—common supports for Vishnu-bhakti and broader devotional discipline in the Purāṇic path.
Directional sacred mapping (Āgneya—Agni’s quarter) reflects applied jyotiṣa-style spatial symbolism used in ritual and tīrtha traditions, where directions and deities guide pilgrimage orientation and worship protocols.