Shloka 10
Śrāddha-pravṛtti-kathana and Varjya-dravya-nirdeśa
Origin and Prohibitions in Śrāddha
आपो मूलं फलं॑ मांसमन्नं वापि पितृक्षये । यत् किंचिन्मधुसम्मिश्र॑ तदानन्त्याय कल्पते
āpo mūlaṁ phalaṁ māṁsam annaṁ vāpi pitṛkṣaye | yat kiñcin madhusammiśraṁ tad ānantyāya kalpate ||
Bhīṣma explains that at the ancestral rite observed at the time of pitṛkṣaya, whatever is offered—water, roots, fruits, meat, or cooked food—when mixed with honey becomes a gift that grants the ancestors enduring satisfaction. The ethical emphasis is on sincere, properly prepared offerings that honor one’s lineage and uphold dharma through gratitude and remembrance.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Offerings made for the ancestors, especially when prepared with care (here, mixed with honey), are said to yield long-lasting benefit; the verse underscores dharma as gratitude and responsible remembrance of one’s lineage through proper rites.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs on duties and merits of rites; here he specifies that various foods and even water, when offered at pitṛkṣaya with honey, are considered especially efficacious for satisfying the Pitṛs.