Shloka 171
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
ज्ञात्वापसव्यं सव्येन पाणिना त्रिः प्रदक्षिणं । पितृवन्मातृकं कार्यं विधिवद्दर्भपाणिना
jñātvāpasavyaṃ savyena pāṇinā triḥ pradakṣiṇaṃ | pitṛvanmātṛkaṃ kāryaṃ vidhivaddarbhapāṇinā
Hat man die rechte apasavya‑Weise (nach links) erkannt, so vollziehe man drei Umgänge, wobei die linke Hand gebraucht wird; und das Ritual für die mütterlichen Ahnen ist wie das für die väterlichen nach Vorschrift auszuführen, mit Darbha‑Gras in der Hand.
Unspecified (narratorial/ritual-instruction voice within the chapter)
Concept: Dharma includes balanced gratitude: maternal ancestors deserve rites performed with the same rigor as paternal ancestors, using correct orientation and implements.
Application: Practice equal respect across family lines; remember maternal lineage and caregivers; in daily life, ‘circumambulate’ your sources—acknowledge those who enabled your existence.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"With darbha grass held in hand, the performer moves in three measured leftward circles around the offering space, his left hand leading in apasavya fashion. The air feels heavy with remembrance, as the maternal line is invoked with the same solemn care as the paternal, the ritual ground becoming a quiet mandala of gratitude.","primary_figures":["householder (yajamāna)","maternal ancestors (suggested as soft luminous forms)","paternal ancestors (suggested as soft luminous forms)"],"setting":"small circular ritual space marked with rice flour lines; darbha in hand; piṇḍas and water vessel at center","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver gray","midnight blue","rice white","copper gold","soft saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dynamic yet solemn depiction of apasavya circumambulation—yajamāna stepping leftward around a central altar with piṇḍas; gold leaf halo-like accents around the central space; rich blues and reds, ornate borders, ritual geometry emphasized with gem-like detailing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: graceful circular movement captured with delicate brushwork; moonlit courtyard with cool blues; fine darbha blades; subtle translucent ancestor forms in the background; lyrical stillness and emotional restraint.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines showing three-step circular motion; central altar stylized; strong red-yellow-green palette with black contour lines; expressive eyes and formal posture conveying solemn duty.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: circular mandala-like composition with lotus borders; central altar surrounded by three ring motifs indicating triple circumambulation; deep indigo and gold; floral filigree and small peacocks at corners, devotional symmetry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["footsteps on earth","distant bell","low chant","night breeze","soft conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ज्ञात्वा+अपसव्यम्=ज्ञात्वापसव्यम्; पितृवत्+मातृकम्=पितृवन्मातृकम् (त्→न् before म); विधिवत्+दर्भपाणिना=विधिवद्दर्भपाणिना
FAQs
It prescribes performing three circumambulations in the apasavya (leftward) mode and conducting the maternal-ancestor rite in the same regulated manner as the paternal-ancestor rite, holding darbha grass.
It explicitly treats the maternal-ancestor (mātṛka) rite as to be performed ‘like the paternal’ (pitṛvat), indicating parity in procedural seriousness and correctness.
It emphasizes disciplined observance (vidhivat) and gratitude toward one’s lineage—honoring both maternal and paternal lines through careful ritual duty.