Shloka 47
The Greatness of Offering Piṇḍas at Viṣṇvādipada (Viṣṇupada) — Gayā Śrāddha Procedure and Fruits
गयाशिरसि यः पिंडं येषां नाम्ना तु निर्वपेत् । नरकस्था दिवं यांति स्वर्गस्था मोक्षगामिनः ॥ ४७ ॥
gayāśirasi yaḥ piṃḍaṃ yeṣāṃ nāmnā tu nirvapet | narakasthā divaṃ yāṃti svargasthā mokṣagāminaḥ || 47 ||
Whoever offers a piṇḍa at Gayāśiras, naming the departed for whom it is offered—those who are in hell ascend to heaven, and those already in heaven proceed toward liberation (mokṣa).
Narada (teaching within the Gayā-Māhātmya context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It declares the exceptional tirtha-power of Gayāśiras: a properly named piṇḍa-offering can uplift ancestors from suffering states (naraka) to higher destinies, culminating in mokṣa for those already in svarga.
Though framed as a Śrāddha rite, the verse reflects bhakti-informed trust in sacred places and dharmic acts: offering with remembrance (by name) and faith at a Vishnu-associated tirtha is presented as spiritually transformative for one’s lineage.
It highlights ritual procedure (kalpa/śrauta-smārta practice): the importance of sankalpa and naming (nāma-ucchāraṇa) during piṇḍa-dāna at a specific tirtha, indicating correct performance principles rather than grammar or astrology.