Shloka 24
Āśauca, Daśāha Piṇḍa-Rites, Vṛṣotsarga, Sāpiṇḍīkaraṇa, and the Yama-mārga
Path to Yama
त्रयो ऽञ्जलय एवं तु प्रथमे ऽहनिवै तदा / चत्वारस्तु द्वितीये ऽह्नि तृतीये स्युस्त्रयस्तथा
trayo 'ñjalaya evaṃ tu prathame 'hanivai tadā / catvārastu dvitīye 'hni tṛtīye syustrayastathā
Thus, on the first day three añjali handful-offerings should be given; on the second day, four; and on the third day, likewise three.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Three-day (tr̥yaha) period: day 1, day 2, day 3.
Concept: During the three-day sequence, anjali offerings follow a fixed distribution: 3 on day one, 4 on day two, 3 on day three.
Vedantic Theme: Order (ṛta/dharma) expressed through disciplined repetition; steadies grief through structured action.
Application: Perform the three-day schedule exactly (3-4-3), ideally at consistent times, using the same vessel and clean water as prescribed by family tradition.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.5.23 on tr̥yaha aśauca and total ten anjalis; Garuda Purana 2.5.25 on 30-40-30 distribution for 100
FAQs
This verse fixes a day-wise ritual measure, emphasizing disciplined, rule-based offerings for the departed (preta) during the initial post-death period.
It situates the family’s early rites as structured support for the preta’s transition, indicating that specific offerings are to be performed in a timed sequence across the first days.
If performing post-death rites, follow an authorized tradition/priestly guidance with consistency and sincerity; the verse highlights that care, order, and duty (dharma) matter in remembrance and ritual.