Shloka 84
Purusha-Strī-Lakṣaṇa (Samudrika-śāstra): Marks of Kingship, Wealth, Longevity, and Conduct
अभिन्नाग्रैश्च मृदुभिर्न चातिबहुभिर्नृपाः / बहुमूलैश्च विषमैः स्थूलाग्रैः कपिलैस्तथा
abhinnāgraiśca mṛdubhirna cātibahubhirnṛpāḥ / bahumūlaiśca viṣamaiḥ sthūlāgraiḥ kapilaistathā
O Könige, (das heilige Gras sollte) weich sein, mit ungebrochenen Spitzen und nicht übermäßig üppig; es sollte viele Wurzeln haben, uneben sein und ebenso gelbbraun mit dicken Spitzen.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda; vocative 'nṛpāḥ' reflects a generalized address found in some recensions)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: During śrāddha preparation (before offerings)
Concept: Ritual implements must meet prescribed lakṣaṇas to ensure śāstric correctness and auspicious results.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-kāṇḍa as a purifier (citta-śuddhi) supporting higher pursuit; śraddhā in vidhi.
Application: When preparing śrāddha/pujā, choose darbha/kuśa that is soft, unbroken-tipped, not overly abundant, well-rooted, slightly uneven, tawny, and thick-tipped; avoid damaged or unsuitable grass.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: ritual-space (vedi/śrāddha-śālā implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Preta/Śrāddha sections): general emphasis on correct dravya, deśa, kāla, and pātra for śrāddha efficacy
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that ritual efficacy in śrāddha and related rites depends on using correctly qualified grass—soft, unbroken-tipped, properly rooted and colored—since materials are treated as carriers of sanctity in ancestral offerings.
It functions as a procedural rule within the broader framework of post-death observances (śrāddha/pinda-dāna), where correct ritual implements support the intended merit (puṇya) for the departed and uphold dharma in funerary practice.
When performing śrāddha or pinda-dāna, select clean, intact kuśa/darbha grass meeting traditional criteria (soft, unbroken tips, not excessive in quantity), and prioritize carefulness and reverence in ritual preparation.