Shloka 39
Nāndīmukha-śrāddha (Prosperity Rites), Preta-kriyā, Aśauca, Ekoddiṣṭa, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Framework
तस्माद् उत्तरसंज्ञा याः क्रियास् ताः शृणु पार्थिव यदा यदा च कर्तव्या विधिना येन चानघ
tasmād uttarasaṃjñā yāḥ kriyās tāḥ śṛṇu pārthiva yadā yadā ca kartavyā vidhinā yena cānagha
Therefore, O king, listen to those rites that are known as the ‘subsequent’ (uttara) observances—when, on what occasions, and by what proper procedure they are to be performed, O sinless one.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya; addressing a king within the narrated account)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Introduction to the uttarā-kriyā section: occasions (kāla) and proper method (vidhi) for subsequent śrāddha observances
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: structured and didactic
Concept: Ritual acts have defined names and categories (here, ‘uttara’ rites) and must be done at the proper times and by correct procedure.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Approach spiritual practice with clarity: know what you are doing, when it is appropriate, and follow a consistent, well-learned method.
Vishishtadvaita: Emphasis on vidhi aligns with the view that disciplined action, offered in right spirit, becomes service within the Lord’s cosmic administration.
FAQs
This verse frames them as regulated follow-up observances whose timing and method must be learned and followed, underscoring dharma as an ordered system rather than mere custom.
He emphasizes three essentials—what actions are meant, when they are to be done, and the proper rule-based procedure (vidhi) for performing them.
Even when discussing rites and royal conduct, the Purana’s underlying theology treats dharma as part of the cosmic order sustained by the Supreme Lord, with correct action aligning society to that higher reality.