Shloka 66
Puruṣottama-kṣetra Māhātmya: Śveta-Mādhava & Matsya-Mādhava; Mārkaṇḍeya-tīrtha Mārjana and Bath Liturgy
नोपतिष्ठति तत्तोयं यद्भूम्यां न प्रतदीयते । पितॄणामक्षयं स्थानं मही दत्ता विरंचिना ॥ ६६ ॥
nopatiṣṭhati tattoyaṃ yadbhūmyāṃ na pratadīyate | pitṝṇāmakṣayaṃ sthānaṃ mahī dattā viraṃcinā || 66 ||
Jenens Wasser wird nicht wahrhaft zur Opfergabe, wenn es nicht auf die Erde gegossen wird. Denn die Erde—von Virañci (Brahmā) verliehen—ist die unvergängliche Wohnstatt der Pitṛs (Ahnengeister).
Suta (narrating the Narada Purana teaching within the Uttara-Bhaga context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches that Pitṛ-offerings (like tarpaṇa water) become effective only when properly delivered—here, by offering onto the earth—because the earth is described as the enduring support and abode connected with the Pitṛs.
It frames devotion as disciplined reverence expressed through correct dharmic action: honoring the Pitṛs in the prescribed way is part of a devotee’s responsibility, supporting purity, gratitude, and continuity of sacred duties alongside Vishnu-bhakti.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implied: the verse stresses the correct placement/medium for libations in Pitṛ-kārya, indicating that ritual efficacy depends on following prescribed method rather than intention alone.