Shloka 135
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
द्वौ दैवे पितृकृत्ये त्रीनेकैकमुभयत्र वा । भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धोपि न प्रकुर्वीत विस्तरम्
dvau daive pitṛkṛtye trīnekaikamubhayatra vā | bhojayetsusamṛddhopi na prakurvīta vistaram
Bei einem Ritus für die Götter soll man zwei (Brāhmaṇas) speisen; bei einem Ritus für die Ahnen drei—oder je einen, oder einen für beides zusammen. Selbst bei großem Wohlstand soll man das Mahl nicht zur Schaustellung machen.
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on right measure and humility: feed the appropriate number and avoid turning śrāddha into spectacle, even if wealthy.
Application: Practice modest giving; focus on sincerity and appropriateness rather than social display; keep ceremonies simple and meaningful.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A restrained śrāddha feast: a small number of brāhmaṇas seated on clean mats, receiving simple but wholesome food served with reverence. In contrast, faintly in the background, a shadowy suggestion of lavish excess is deliberately absent—highlighting the verse’s ethic of quiet measure.","primary_figures":["yajamāna","two brāhmaṇas (daiva-kṛtya)","three brāhmaṇas (pitṛ-kṛtya)"],"setting":"simple dining arrangement in a purified courtyard with leaf plates, water pot, and minimal decoration","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["warm white","turmeric yellow","copper brown","cloth red","ash gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a compact, dignified śrāddha meal scene—few recipients, neatly arranged leaf plates, brass lota and bowls; gold leaf glints on vessels and sacred threads; rich maroon backdrop with green borders, emphasizing reverent simplicity over grandeur.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard meal with delicate detailing of leaf plates and hand gestures of offering; soft natural light, muted earth tones, refined expressions conveying restraint and sattva.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized seated figures in rhythmic alignment, bold outlines, minimal props; warm red-yellow-green palette; emphasis on ritual order and calm dignity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional hospitality tableau framed by floral borders; intricate patterns on textiles, lotus motifs; deep blue field with gold accents, yet the central act remains simple—few guests, reverent serving, symbolic purity."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft bell","serving sounds (water poured)","low chanting","brief silence","distant birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: त्रीनेकैकम् = त्रीन् + एकैकम्; उभयत्र वा = उभयत्र + वा; भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धोपि = भोजयेत् + सु-समृद्धः + अपि
FAQs
It advises feeding a small, specified number of Brahmins: two for a rite directed to the gods, three for an ancestral rite; alternatively one each, or even a single offering that covers both.
It emphasizes restraint and sincerity: ritual merit is not increased by showy expansion, and ostentation can undermine the intended humility and purity of the offering.
The verse teaches simplicity, moderation, and humility in religious giving—prioritizing intention and propriety over social display.