Shloka 171
Brahmā’s Puṣkara Sacrifice: Ṛtvij System, Sāvitrī’s Reconciliation, Tīrtha-Catalogue, Śrāddha & Initiation Rites, and Vrata Fruits
ब्रह्मक्रियाया लोपेन बहुवर्षकृतेन च । यात्रां चेमां सकृत्कृत्वा वेदसंस्कारमाप्नुयात्
brahmakriyāyā lopena bahuvarṣakṛtena ca | yātrāṃ cemāṃ sakṛtkṛtvā vedasaṃskāramāpnuyāt
اگر برہما-کِریاؤں (دینی رسوم) کی کوتاہی بہت برسوں تک بھی رہی ہو، تب بھی اس یاترا کو ایک بار کر لینے سے ویدوں سے وابستہ تطہیری سنسکار حاصل ہو جاتا ہے۔
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Tīrtha-yātrā can function as prāyaścitta (remedial purification), repairing lapses in ritual discipline and re-aligning one with Vedic saṁskāra and dharma.
Application: If you have fallen away from daily disciplines, restart with one clear, complete act: a pilgrimage, a vow, a temple visit with charity, or a structured sādhana week—then rebuild consistency.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee who has long neglected rites stands before a ghat priest, receiving a symbolic ‘Veda-saṁskāra’—a sacred thread adjustment, sprinkling of tīrtha-water, and a calm blessing gesture. In the background, the lake reflects a manuscript and a yajña-kuṇḍa motif, suggesting ritual life rekindled.","primary_figures":["devotee seeking restoration","brahmin priest/ācārya","pilgrims witnessing","subtle Vedic fire motif"],"setting":"Puṣkara ghat with a small yajña platform and a shrine alcove; lotus lake behind.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["saffron","white sandalwood","copper bronze","sky blue","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: priest conferring Veda-saṁskāra with sacred water and blessing, devotee with renewed yajñopavīta, Pushkar Lake and a small yajña-kuṇḍa behind; gold leaf on halos, fire, and water highlights; rich reds/greens and ornate borders with Vedic geometric motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate rite-restoration scene by a serene lake, delicate gestures, soft architecture, refined faces; cool blues and greens with warm saffron accents, subtle gold, lyrical calm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized ācārya and devotee in frontal composition, bold outlines, simplified yajña fire and lake; strong red-yellow-green palette, rhythmic ornamentation, temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central blessing scene framed by lotus borders, small yajña fire as auspicious symbol, repeating lotus and conch patterns; deep blue background with gold and saffron highlights, intricate floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft mantra undertone","crackling ritual fire","water sprinkling","temple bell single strikes","tanpura drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: yātrāṃ ca imām→yātrāṃ cemām; vedasaṃskāram āpnuyāt→vedasaṃskāramāpnuyāt; sakṛt+kṛtvā written as sakṛtkṛtvā.
FAQs
It presents pilgrimage as a powerful remedial practice: even long-standing neglect of prescribed Vedic duties can be purified by undertaking the stated yātrā at least once.
It indicates a Veda-aligned purification or consecratory refinement—restoring religious fitness through a sanctifying act, here linked to completing the pilgrimage.
Do not remain stuck in guilt over past omissions; undertake sincere corrective action. The verse emphasizes repair and renewal through a sanctioned spiritual practice.