Shloka 76
The Glory of Śrāddha at Sacred Fords and the Determination of the Kutapa Time
गयायां पिण्डदानस्य नान्यद्दानं विशिष्यते । एकेन पिंडदानेन तृप्तास्ते मोक्षगामिनः
gayāyāṃ piṇḍadānasya nānyaddānaṃ viśiṣyate | ekena piṃḍadānena tṛptāste mokṣagāminaḥ
In Gayā übertrifft keine Gabe die Darbringung des piṇḍa (Totenopfer). Durch eine einzige piṇḍa-Opfergabe werden die Verstorbenen gesättigt und schreiten auf dem Pfad zur Befreiung (mokṣa) voran.
Not explicitly identifiable from the single verse (context needed to confirm the dialogue frame).
Concept: At Gayā, piṇḍadāna surpasses other gifts; a single offering can satisfy the departed and orient them toward liberation.
Application: If possible, perform ancestral rites at renowned tīrthas with proper guidance; otherwise, emulate the spirit—offer with purity, charity, and remembrance, dedicating merit for the departed.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"On the banks near Gayā, pilgrims gather around a priest as piṇḍas are offered on darbha grass, with incense curling upward. In the sky above the tīrtha, ancestors appear serene and luminous, moving along a radiant path that leads toward a distant, lotus-like gateway of liberation.","primary_figures":["pilgrim householder","brāhmaṇa priest","pitṛs","subtle Vishnu presence (symbolic footprint/Viṣṇupada motif)"],"setting":"Gayā tīrtha riverside/ghāṭa with stone steps, ritual platforms, offerings, and distant temple spire","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["stone gray","marigold orange","sacred ash white","river green","celestial gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Gayā ghāṭa with priest and pilgrim offering piṇḍas on darbha; upper register shows pitṛs ascending toward a golden lotus gate; incorporate a Viṣṇupada footprint emblem with gold leaf; rich crimson backdrop, ornate temple arch, gem-like highlights on vessels and ornaments.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: riverside steps at Gayā with delicate crowding of pilgrims; soft atmospheric perspective; pitṛs as pale luminous figures in the sky; cool river tones, refined faces, gentle devotional mood, temple silhouette in the distance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized ghāṭa scene with bold outlines; ritual items patterned; pitṛ ascent shown in a top band with bright yellow and red; a symbolic Viṣṇu footprint medallion centered above, temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Gayā ritual scene framed by lotus borders; central medallion of a golden footprint (Viṣṇupada) above the offering; peacocks and floral vines; deep blue cloth ground with gold and orange accents, intricate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","murmured mantras","river ambience","incense crackle"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नान्यद्दानं = न + अन्यत् + दानम् (अ + अ → आ; त् + द → द्द); तृप्तास्ते = तृप्ताः + ते (ः + त → स्त)।
FAQs
It presents Gayā as a uniquely potent pilgrimage site for ancestor rites, declaring that piṇḍadāna performed there is unsurpassed among forms of dāna (religious giving).
The verse strongly praises the rite, saying the departed become satisfied and move toward liberation; traditional commentators often read this as indicating exceptional spiritual efficacy at Gayā, while the broader tradition still situates results within dharma, faith, and proper performance.
It emphasizes gratitude and responsibility toward one’s ancestors (pitṛ-dharma), teaching that caring for the departed through prescribed rites is a meaningful expression of duty and compassion with profound spiritual merit.