Shloka 68
The Glory of Śrāddha at Sacred Fords and the Determination of the Kutapa Time
किमस्माकं कुले कश्चिद्गयां यास्यति यः सुतः । प्रीणयिष्यति तान्गत्वा सप्तपूर्वांस्तथापरान्
kimasmākaṃ kule kaścidgayāṃ yāsyati yaḥ sutaḥ | prīṇayiṣyati tāngatvā saptapūrvāṃstathāparān
Wird es in unserem Geschlecht einen Sohn geben, der nach Gayā geht und, dort angekommen, sie erfreut — unsere sieben Ahnen und ebenso die späteren?
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 11; likely a character reflecting on pitṛ-duty)
Concept: Putra-dharma: continuity of lineage is sanctified by serving the pitṛs through tīrtha-śrāddha, linking family life to spiritual responsibility.
Application: Remember and honor forebears through regular śrāddha/tarpaṇa, ethical living that protects family reputation, and—when possible—pilgrimage or proxy rites performed with sincerity rather than display.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An elder of a venerable lineage sits before a small ancestral altar, palms joined, eyes moist with concern—wondering whether a future son will undertake the long pilgrimage to Gayā. In the background, a distant vision of Gayā’s sacred precinct appears like a mirage: banyan silhouettes, pilgrims carrying offerings, and a faint Viṣṇu-footprint motif suggesting imperishable merit.","primary_figures":["a householder elder (kula-vṛddha)","pitṛs as subtle luminous ancestors","pilgrim-son as a future-vision figure","Vishnu-footprint symbol (Viṣṇupada motif)"],"setting":"Domestic courtyard shrine blending into a visionary overlay of Gayā tīrtha pathways and ghāṭa steps.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["smoky sandalwood brown","lamp-flame amber","ash white","deep indigo","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a dignified householder elder before a brass lamp and pitṛ-tarpaṇa vessel, with a gold-leaf haloed vision-panel of Gayā in the upper register—banyan tree, pilgrims, and a stylized Viṣṇupada emblem; rich maroon backdrop, emerald borders, gem-studded ornaments on ritual vessels, ornate floral frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate lines—elder in white dhoti, small śrāddha setup, and a soft distant vignette of Gayā’s banyan and pilgrims; cool muted palette, lyrical sky wash, refined facial expressions conveying longing and duty.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined elder with expressive eyes, ritual implements (kalaśa, darbha, piṇḍa plate) rendered in flat natural pigments; upper band shows Gayā banyan and Viṣṇupada symbol; dominant ochres, reds, greens with rhythmic decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional composition with ornate floral borders and lotus motifs; central lower panel shows śrāddha offerings, upper panel shows Gayā pilgrimage procession; incorporate subtle Vaishnava symbols (conch, discus) and peacocks at the border, deep blue ground with gold detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["temple bells (distant)","low conch shell (faint)","evening silence","soft crackle of lamp flame"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: किमस्माकम् = किम् + अस्माकम्; कश्चिद्गयाम् = कश्चित् + गयाम्; तान्गत्वा = तान् + गत्वा; सप्तपूर्वांस्तथापरान् = सप्तपूर्वान् + तथा + अपरान्.
FAQs
It highlights Gayā as a preeminent tīrtha associated with ancestral rites (śrāddha/tarpaṇa), implying that specific places are believed to amplify the merit and efficacy of offerings to the Pitṛs.
By focusing on pilgrimage and reverent ritual intention, it frames devotion as expressed through dharmic duties—especially gratitude and service to one’s lineage—often integrated into broader Vaiṣṇava tīrtha culture (Gayā being strongly linked with sacred remembrance and worship).
It underscores filial responsibility: ensuring the well-being and remembrance of ancestors through rightful conduct and prescribed rites, and valuing continuity of dharma within the family line.