The Determination of the Extent of the Sacred Field and Related Matters
Kurukṣetra Māhātmya
यत्र तत्र समायाता प्लक्षजाता सरस्वती । सा सभाज्य स्तुता तेन मुनिना धार्मिकेण ह ॥ १८ ॥
yatra tatra samāyātā plakṣajātā sarasvatī | sā sabhājya stutā tena muninā dhārmikeṇa ha || 18 ||
Mula sa iba’t ibang dako, dumating si Sarasvatī—na isinilang mula sa punong Plakṣa. Siya’y marangal na tinanggap ng matuwid na muni at pinuri nang may pagpupugay.
Narada (narrating the Tirtha-Mahatmya section in Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
It highlights tirtha-sevā as dharma: sacred waters are approached as living divinity, to be received with reverence (sabhājya) and praised (stuti), which sanctifies the pilgrim and the place.
Bhakti is expressed here as respectful reception and heartfelt praise of a divine manifestation (Sarasvatī). The verse models devotion through honoring and glorifying the deity present in a tirtha.
The practical takeaway aligns with kalpa (ritual procedure): proper upacāra—welcoming, honoring, and reciting stuti—forms the correct etiquette for tirtha worship even without elaborate rites.