Shloka 48
Tīrtha-vidhi (Procedure for Holy Places) — Prayāgarāja-māhātmya
गंगां संप्राप्य यो देवि मुंडनं नैव कारयेत् । क्रिया तस्याक्रिया सर्वा तीर्थद्रोही भवेत्तथा ॥ ४८ ॥
gaṃgāṃ saṃprāpya yo devi muṃḍanaṃ naiva kārayet | kriyā tasyākriyā sarvā tīrthadrohī bhavettathā || 48 ||
اے دیوی! جو گنگا تک پہنچ کر بھی منڈن نہیں کراتا، اس کی ساری کریائیں گویا بےکریا ہو جاتی ہیں؛ اور وہ تیرتھ کا دروہی (گستاخ) ٹھہرتا ہے۔
Narada (in dialogue context with the Sanatkumara tradition; addressing Devi as part of the narrative frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It asserts that a tīrtha like the Gaṅgā is approached with prescribed disciplines; neglecting the required observance (here, muṇḍana) nullifies the spiritual efficacy of one’s rites and constitutes tīrthadroha—disrespect to the sacred place.
It frames devotion as reverent, rule-guided approach to holy places: bhakti is not only inner feeling but also careful honoring of sacred vows and tīrtha-dharma, which safeguards the fruit of worship and pilgrimage.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implicit: the verse emphasizes correct performance of prescribed rites during tīrtha-yātrā, showing that procedure and timing of observances are integral to dharmic practice.