Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 23
Dharma as the Cause of Prosperity and the Signs of a Righteous Death
तीर्थं च लभते प्राज्ञः स्नानार्थं धर्मतत्परः । अग्न्यागारे च गोस्थाने देवतायतनेषु च
tīrthaṃ ca labhate prājñaḥ snānārthaṃ dharmatatparaḥ | agnyāgāre ca gosthāne devatāyataneṣu ca
دھرم میں لگن رکھنے والا دانا شخص غسل کے لیے تیرتھ پا لیتا ہے—حتیٰ کہ اگنیہ گار میں بھی، گو شالہ میں بھی، اور دیوتا کے مندر کے احاطے میں بھی۔
Unspecified (verse-level speaker not indicated in the provided excerpt; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue typical of Bhūmi-khaṇḍa sections).
Concept: For the dharma-minded, sacredness is accessible: tīrtha is not only a distant riverbank but can be ‘obtained’ wherever dharma, yajña, go-sevā, and deva-sevā are present.
Application: Treat temple premises, yajña spaces, and cow-shelters as places for inner ‘snāna’—cleanliness, humility, mantra-japa, and service; cultivate reverence in ordinary sacred duties.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dharma-minded pilgrim performs a symbolic snāna with a small water pot, first near a glowing yajña-kuṇḍa in a fire-sanctuary, then at a clean cowshed where gentle cows stand, and finally at a temple gateway beneath fluttering flags. The same aura of tīrtha radiates in all three places, shown as subtle light ripples around the devotee’s feet.","primary_figures":["wise devotee/pilgrim","Vedic priest (optional)","cows and calf","temple deity icon (distant)"],"setting":"triptych-like composition: yajña-śālā, gauśālā, and temple courtyard","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["saffron orange","smoke gray","cowhide white","leaf green","vermillion red"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: three-panel sacred scene—yajña-kuṇḍa with Agni flames, gauśālā with adorned cows, and a temple gopuram—gold leaf highlights on flames and temple ornaments, rich reds/greens, the devotee holding a kamaṇḍalu, ornate borders with lotus and conch motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical triptych with delicate architecture, soft hills in the distance, refined figures, gentle cows with expressive eyes, thin lines of incense smoke, cool yet warm-balanced palette, emphasis on quiet sanctity in everyday sacred spaces.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized Agni and temple motifs, rhythmic cow forms, flat yet vibrant red-yellow-green palette, the devotee centered with a halo-like aura indicating tīrtha presence.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: temple courtyard as the main field with lotus borders, cows and peacocks at the edges, the yajña fire suggested as a sacred vignette, deep blue background with gold accents, intricate floral patterns framing the devotee’s snāna gesture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["yajña fire crackle","low Vedic chanting","cow bells","temple bells","conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अग्न्यागारे = अग्नि + आगारे (इ + आ → या). देवतायतनेषु = देवता + आयतनेषु (आ + आ → आ).
FAQs
It broadens the idea of tīrtha beyond famous pilgrimage rivers and sites, suggesting that places connected with dharma—such as fire-ritual spaces, cow-shelters, and temples—can function as spiritually potent locations for purification.
They represent three dharmic centers: sacrificial/ritual sanctity (agni), protection and service to cows (go), and worship in a consecrated divine space (deity temple). The verse implies these environments carry a sanctifying presence akin to tīrthas.
Purity is linked to dharma-intent (dharmatātparya) rather than mere travel to distant holy places; reverence, service, and righteous conduct make one’s surroundings spiritually elevating.