Shloka 21
Śrāddha’s Cosmic Reach and Kāla-Nirṇaya (Sacred Timings): Amāvāsyā, Nakṣatra-Yoga, Tīrtha, and Minimum Offerings
पितृगीतांस् तथैवात्र श्लोकांस् तांश् च शृणुष्व मे श्रुत्वा तथैव भवता भाव्यं तत्रादृतात्मना
pitṛgītāṃs tathaivātra ślokāṃs tāṃś ca śṛṇuṣva me śrutvā tathaiva bhavatā bhāvyaṃ tatrādṛtātmanā
Hear from me, here and now, those sacred ślokas sung in praise of the Pitṛs. Having heard them, you too should act accordingly in that observance, with a reverent and attentive heart.
Sage Parāśara (in instruction to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Transmission of Pitṛ-stuti verses and exhortation to practice the corresponding observance with reverence
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: compassionate
Concept: Sacred verses are not merely to be heard but to be embodied through reverent conduct aligned with the taught observance.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Treat scriptural listening as a commitment: take one concrete practice from study (charity, remembrance rites, service) and implement it consistently.
Vishishtadvaita: Śravaṇa leading to anuṣṭhāna (practice) reflects devotion expressed through obedient service within Bhagavān’s ordained dharma.
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
This verse frames the Pitṛ-gītā as authoritative sacred recitation and links hearing it to proper practice—honoring the Pitṛs through reverent observance.
He emphasizes śravaṇa (listening) followed by anuṣṭhāna (doing accordingly), insisting that the practice must be performed with an attentive and respectful disposition (ādṛta-ātman).
Even in Pitṛ-focused sections, the Vishnu Purana situates dharma and ritual order within a Vishnu-governed cosmic sovereignty—right rites are part of sustaining universal order under the Supreme Reality.