Shloka 36
Vānaprastha-dharma and Tapas: Śiva–Umā Saṃvāda
Forest-Stage Discipline and Austerity
त्रयाणामपि पिण्डानां श्रुत्वा भगवतो गतिम्
trayāṇām api piṇḍānāṃ śrutvā bhagavato gatim | śrāddhasya rahasyaṃ jñātaṃ; devadūta! tvayā yat śrāddhavidher nirṇayaḥ pṛṣṭaḥ, tadanusāreṇa trayāṇām api piṇḍānāṃ gatiḥ kathyate | sāvadhānaḥ śṛṇu me ||
Having heard from Lord Viṣṇu the destined course of the three piṇḍa-offerings, he came to understand the inner meaning of the śrāddha rite. “O divine messenger,” it is said, “since you have asked for a clear determination of the śrāddha procedure, the respective outcome of the three piṇḍas will now be explained. Listen to me with full attention.”
देवदूत उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śrāddha is presented not as a mere formality but as a dharmic act whose offerings (piṇḍas) have specific intended results; therefore one should learn the rite’s rationale and perform it with attention and correct procedure.
A divine messenger asks for a definitive ruling on the śrāddha method. The speaker responds that, since the outcomes of the three piṇḍa-offerings have been heard from Viṣṇu and the rite’s inner meaning grasped, the distinct ‘gati’ (result/destination) of each piṇḍa will now be explained, urging careful listening.