Shloka 16
Sequential Description of Pilgrimage Fords and Their Merits
Tīrtha-Itinerary
अग्निष्टोमातिरात्राभ्यां फलं प्राप्नोति पुण्यकृत् । ततः संध्यां समासाद्य विद्यातीर्थमनुत्तमम्
agniṣṭomātirātrābhyāṃ phalaṃ prāpnoti puṇyakṛt | tataḥ saṃdhyāṃ samāsādya vidyātīrthamanuttamam
Ang gumagawa ng kabutihan ay tumatamo ng bunga na katulad ng mga ritong Agniṣṭoma at Atirātra. Pagkaraan, pagdating sa Saṃdhyā, kaniyang nakakamit ang walang kapantay na banal na tawiran na tinatawag na Vidyā-tīrtha.
Unspecified (narratorial voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa; broader dialogue context not provided in the input).
Concept: Merit gained through tīrtha practice can equal major soma-yajñas and culminate in higher ‘vidyā’ (sanctified knowledge).
Application: Treat learning as a sacred discipline: combine study with purity practices (snāna, sandhyā, japa), and seek environments that elevate attention and ethics.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A pilgrim moves through a sacred itinerary: first a ritual ground suggested by a distant soma-altar silhouette, then a tranquil ford named Saṃdhyā where the sky meets water in perfect balance. Beyond it lies Vidyā-tīrtha—an emerald pool beside a small library-like hermitage, where palm-leaf manuscripts and a glowing lamp symbolize ‘unsurpassed knowledge’.","primary_figures":["pilgrim-seeker","sage-guardian of Vidyā-tīrtha","ritual priests (as distant silhouettes)"],"setting":"river ford at twilight (saṃdhyā) leading to a secluded hermitage-pool (Vidyā-tīrtha) with manuscripts and a small shrine","lighting_mood":"divine radiance at twilight—violet sky with a golden horizon line","color_palette":["twilight violet","horizon gold","emerald green","sandalwood beige","ink black"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Saṃdhyā ford with a luminous horizon, pilgrim offering arghya, then Vidyā-tīrtha pool beside a shrine and manuscript stand, heavy gold-leaf on halos, water highlights, and ornamental borders; rich crimson and emerald garments with gem-studded detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate twilight gradient over a calm ford, pilgrim crossing toward a quiet hermitage with palm-leaf manuscripts, cool purples and greens, fine brushwork on ripples and trees, refined sage figure seated near a lamp, lyrical serenity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized banded sky for saṃdhyā, bold outlines of pilgrim and sage, manuscript motifs rendered as decorative rectangles, warm reds/yellows/greens with black contouring, temple-wall symmetry and floral borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Vidyā-tīrtha pool framed by lotus and manuscript motifs, peacocks near the water, ornate floral borders, deep blue-violet ground with gold highlights, devotional composition emphasizing sacred learning."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["evening bells","soft water lapping","distant Vedic chant","crickets","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: विद्यातीर्थम्+अनुत्तमम् → विद्यातीर्थमनुत्तमम्.
FAQs
It equates the merit gained here with the renowned Vedic sacrifices Agniṣṭoma and Atirātra, presenting tīrtha-related practice as capable of granting results comparable to major śrauta rites.
Vidyā-tīrtha is presented as an ‘unsurpassed’ sacred ford/place associated with spiritual attainment; the verse frames it as a destination reached after accruing great merit.
The verse implies that consistent meritorious conduct and reverence toward sacred places lead to elevated results; spiritual progress is portrayed as cumulative—earned through sustained virtue and right practice.