Shloka 53
यममार्गे सुखदायकधर्माः
Dharmas that Grant Ease on the Path to Yama
शृणुयाच्छ्रावयेच्छ्राद्धे ब्राह्मणान्यो महामुने । अक्षय्यमन्नदानं च पितॄणामुपतिष्ठति
śṛṇuyācchrāvayecchrāddhe brāhmaṇānyo mahāmune | akṣayyamannadānaṃ ca pitṝṇāmupatiṣṭhati
O great sage, whoever, at the time of the Śrāddha, listens to the prescribed recitation and also causes brāhmaṇas to listen, for him the offering of food becomes inexhaustible—and it stands as a lasting satisfaction and support for the Pitṛs (ancestors).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It teaches that śravaṇa (devout listening) during Śrāddha, along with enabling sacred recitation for brāhmaṇas, makes the merit of annadāna ‘akṣaya’—a lasting spiritual support offered to the Pitṛs, aligning dharma with devotion.
In Shaiva practice, honoring Pitṛs and serving brāhmaṇas are extensions of Saguna Shiva-bhakti expressed as righteous action (dharma). Such rites purify the pashu (bound soul) and reduce pāśa (bondage), preparing the mind for steadier Shiva-worship and grace.
Perform Śrāddha with attentive listening to the prescribed recitations and arrange for brāhmaṇas to hear/recite; complete it with annadāna (food offering). As a devotional inner practice, cultivate śravaṇa-bhakti—hearing sacred teachings with faith.