Shloka 33
Yuga-Dharma, Kalpa Measure, Purāṇa Definitions, and the Kali-Yuga Power of Nāma-Kīrtana
करिष्येन्ति कलौ प्राप्ते न च पित्र्योदकक्रियाम् / स्त्रीपराश्च जनाः सर्वे शूद्रप्रायाश्च शौनक
kariṣyenti kalau prāpte na ca pitryodakakriyām / strīparāśca janāḥ sarve śūdraprāyāśca śaunaka
Wenn das Kali-Zeitalter eintritt, werden sie den Ritus der Wasseropfer für die Ahnen nicht vollziehen; und alle Menschen werden von Frauen beherrscht werden und größtenteils wie Śūdras werden, o Śaunaka.
Suta (narrator) addressing the sages; the verse directly addresses Śaunaka
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Nitya tarpana / prescribed śrāddha occasions (implied)
Concept: Neglect of pitr̥-udaka-kriyā (ancestral water offerings) is a hallmark of Kali decline; social roles become confused and dharma weakens.
Vedantic Theme: Smṛti-ācāra supports dharma and mental refinement; when saṁskāras lapse, tamas and rajas dominate collective life.
Application: Maintain tarpana/śrāddha disciplines and family remembrance; uphold responsibilities rather than surrendering to cultural drift.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha and pitr̥-kriyā sections emphasizing tarpana and offerings to ancestors
FAQs
This verse treats ancestral water-offerings as a key dharmic duty; neglecting pitṛ rites is presented as a hallmark of Kali-yuga decline and a break in sustaining the ancestral line through ritual remembrance.
By highlighting the omission of pitṛ rites, it implies that the traditional supports for the departed and ancestors—such as offerings and memorial duties—become weakened in Kali Yuga, disrupting the intended ritual relationship between descendants and Pitṛs.
Maintain regular ancestral remembrance—at least simple tarpana or Shraddha with sincerity—along with ethical living, so duty to family lineage and gratitude to forebears is not lost even in changing social conditions.