Shloka 70
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
नाश्रन्ति पितरो देवाः क्षुद्रस्य वृषलीपतेः / भार्याजितस्य नाश्रन्ति यस्याश्चोपपतिर्गृहे
nāśranti pitaro devāḥ kṣudrasya vṛṣalīpateḥ / bhāryājitasya nāśranti yasyāścopapatirgṛhe
The Pitṛs and the Devas do not accept the offerings of a base man ruled by a low woman; nor do they accept those of one dominated by his wife, or of the man in whose house his wife keeps a paramour.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Ritual acceptance depends on moral and social propriety; a degraded household order and sexual misconduct undermine the efficacy/acceptance of offerings.
Vedantic Theme: Outer ritual (karma-kāṇḍa) requires inner and social purity (śauca, sadācāra); adhikāra is tied to character and restraint.
Application: Maintain integrity in relationships and household governance; avoid enabling exploitation, coercion, or infidelity; align worship/offerings with ethical conduct rather than using ritual to mask disorder.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: domestic space
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha/adhikāra discussions: who is fit to perform offerings and what causes Pitṛs to reject śrāddha
FAQs
This verse states that ancestral and divine acceptance is essential for rites like Śrāddha; adharma in household conduct can render offerings ineffective, so eligibility and purity of conduct matter.
By emphasizing that proper ancestral rites depend on dharmic living, it links family ethics and ritual fitness with post-death welfare—supporting the departed through correctly received offerings.
Maintain integrity in family life and avoid illicit relationships; perform Śrāddha and related duties with sincerity and ethical discipline so that ancestral offerings are not undermined by adharma.