Shloka 62
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
तावद्वृद्धिश्च कर्तव्या यावत्पिण्डं दशाहिकम् / पुत्त्रेण हि क्रिया कार्या भार्यया तदभावतः
tāvadvṛddhiśca kartavyā yāvatpiṇḍaṃ daśāhikam / puttreṇa hi kriyā kāryā bhāryayā tadabhāvataḥ
The prescribed observances and arrangements are to be maintained until the ten-day piṇḍa rite is completed. Indeed, the funeral and post-death rites should be performed by the son; if he is absent, then by the wife.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Until completion of the ten-day piṇḍa sequence (दशाहिक)
Concept: कर्तृत्व-नियम: the son is primary adhikārin for post-death rites; wife acts in his absence; observances continue until the दशाह piṇḍa is complete.
Vedantic Theme: स्वधर्म and adhikāra: right performance by the proper agent sustains cosmic and familial order.
Application: Ensure the ten-day rite is not interrupted; designate the eligible performer (son; otherwise wife) and maintain required observances/arrangements until completion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: household/ritual observance period (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: adhikārin hierarchy for śrāddha/antyeṣṭi in nearby verses; Garuda Purana: पुत्र-कर्तव्य emphasis in śrāddha sections
FAQs
This verse treats the ten-day piṇḍa offerings as a key boundary for post-death observances—rites are to be maintained until the daśāha piṇḍa is completed, indicating its central role in the immediate post-death ritual sequence.
Primarily the son performs the kriyā (funerary and related rites); if the son is absent or unavailable, the wife is stated as the performer.
Ensure the ten-day ritual period is completed with continuity and responsibility: the closest eligible family member (son, or in his absence the wife) should arrange and complete the prescribed rites with care and dharmic intention.