Shloka 25
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
गोत्रिभिर्न च कर्तव्यं गृहान्नञ्च न भोजयेत् / भुञ्जीत मृन्मये पात्रे उत्तानञ्च विवर्जयेत्
gotribhirna ca kartavyaṃ gṛhānnañca na bhojayet / bhuñjīta mṛnmaye pātre uttānañca vivarjayet
Man soll (solche Riten) nicht durch Angehörige der eigenen Gotra (gotra) ausführen lassen, noch Speise essen, die in einem Haus als Gastgebermahl gekocht wurde, noch andere damit bewirten. Man soll nur aus einem irdenen Gefäß essen und das Liegen oder Sitzen in Rückenlage (supine) meiden.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: During aśauca/śrāddha observance days (dietary and conduct restrictions)
Concept: Aśauca discipline: limiting social exchange and sensory comfort to preserve ritual integrity and focus on the departed.
Vedantic Theme: Vairāgya (dispassion) as situational discipline; reducing identification with comfort while performing duty.
Application: Avoid appointing same-gotra agents for certain rites; avoid hosted/house-cooked feasts and feeding others from such food; eat simply from earthenware; avoid supine lounging to maintain alertness and restraint.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: household during aśauca / ritual dining space
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha/aśauca rules on food restrictions, vessels, and conduct for karta and family
FAQs
This verse frames austerity and purity during aśauca/śrāddha-linked observances: avoiding hosted household meals, limiting feeding others, using simple earthen vessels, and maintaining disciplined posture—meant to support ritual focus and restraint.
In the Preta Kanda, right conduct by the family and participants is presented as part of the broader dharmic framework surrounding post-death rites; such restraints are treated as supportive conditions for properly carrying out śrāddha-related duties and maintaining ritual order.
If observing mourning/ancestral rites, keep practices simple and disciplined: avoid celebratory hosting, reduce indulgence, choose plain utensils/food where appropriate, and maintain a restrained routine aligned with the tradition followed in your family or community.