Shloka 15
Āśauca, Daśāha Piṇḍa-Rites, Vṛṣotsarga, Sāpiṇḍīkaraṇa, and the Yama-mārga
Path to Yama
प्रथमे ऽह्नि तृतीये वा सप्तमे नवमे तथा / अस्थिसंचयनं कार्यं दिने तद्गोत्रजैः सह
prathame 'hni tṛtīye vā saptame navame tathā / asthisaṃcayanaṃ kāryaṃ dine tadgotrajaiḥ saha
On the first day, or the third, the seventh, and likewise the ninth, the gathering of the bones after cremation should be performed on that day together with kinsmen of the same gotra.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Day 1/3/7/9 after cremation (as options stated).
Concept: Post-cremation duties are time-bound options; kinship (gotra) participation supports continuity and proper completion of antyeṣṭi.
Vedantic Theme: Impermanence of body; dharma guides the living to honor the departed while cultivating detachment and responsibility.
Application: Perform asthi collection on one of the prescribed days (1/3/7/9) with gotra relatives; follow local prayoga for purification and immersion.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: śmaśāna/riverbank (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: antyeṣṭi and post-cremation sequence leading to śrāddha (contextual parallel)
FAQs
This verse prescribes specific permissible days for bone-collection after cremation and emphasizes doing it properly with lineage members, treating it as a dharmic duty in the post-death rite sequence.
By outlining an obligatory post-cremation rite, it situates the family’s ritual responsibilities as part of the broader framework of supporting the departed through orderly observances during the preta-related period.
When arranging post-cremation rites, follow an accepted day among those listed (1st/3rd/7th/9th) and involve appropriate family/gotra representatives, ensuring the ritual is done respectfully and in accordance with tradition.