Shloka 39
Āloka-dāna (Dīpa-dāna), Sumanas–Dhūpa–Dīpa Phala: Manu–Suvarṇa and Śukra–Bali Exempla
निर्यासा: सारिणश्रैव कृत्रिमाश्वैव ते त्रयः । इष्टोडनिष्टो भवेद् गंधस्तन्मे विस्तरश: शूणु
śukra uvāca
niryāsāḥ sāriṇaś caiva kṛtrimāś caiva te trayaḥ |
iṣṭo ’niṣṭo bhaved gandhas tan me vistaraśaḥ śṛṇu ||
Śukra said: “There are three principal kinds of incense: resin-based, ‘sāriṇa’ (a prepared aromatic mixture), and artificial (compounded) incense. The fragrance arising from these may be either pleasing or displeasing. Therefore, listen to me as I explain these matters in detail.”
शुक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śukra classifies incense into three main types and notes that their fragrance can be either agreeable or disagreeable, preparing the listener for a detailed, discerning discussion of ritual substances and their proper evaluation.
In an instructional setting within the Anuśāsana Parva, Śukra begins a systematic explanation about dhūpa (incense), introducing its categories and indicating that he will elaborate further on their qualities.