Shloka 18
The Greatness of Haridvāra
Gaṅgādvāra-māhātmya
ततस्तत्तीर्थमतुलं सर्वपातकनाशनम् । जातं यत्राप्लुतः सोमो मुक्तो यक्ष्मग्रहादभूत् ॥ १८ ॥
tatastattīrthamatulaṃ sarvapātakanāśanam | jātaṃ yatrāplutaḥ somo mukto yakṣmagrahādabhūt || 18 ||
Pagkaraan, lumitaw ang walang kapantay na tīrtha na pook ng banal na pagligo, tagapuksa ng lahat ng kasalanan—doon si Soma, matapos maligo, ay napalaya mula sa pagkakasakmal ni Yakṣmā (sakit na pagkapanghina).
Narada (in dialogue with the Sanatkumara brothers, narrating a Tirtha-Mahatmya)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It proclaims a specific tīrtha as “incomparable” and “destroyer of all sins,” emphasizing that sacred bathing (snāna) performed there functions as a powerful act of purification and expiation (prāyaścitta).
While it highlights tīrtha-snana, the underlying bhakti framework is faith in dharma and sacred places connected with divine beings; Soma’s deliverance illustrates how sincere, reverent observance at a holy site brings grace-like relief from suffering.
It chiefly reflects Kalpa (ritual practice) through tīrtha-snana as a purificatory rite; the term “graha” also echoes traditional astrological/ritual language for afflictive forces, though the verse itself centers on the ritual remedy (bathing at the tīrtha).