Shloka 14
Pātra-Nirṇaya and Ritual Procedure: Who to Feed, Who to Avoid, and Step-by-Step Śrāddha Performance
पवित्रपाणिर् आचान्तान् आसनेषूपवेशयेत् पितॄणाम् अयुजो युग्मान् देवानाम् इच्छया द्विजान्
pavitrapāṇir ācāntān āsaneṣūpaveśayet pitṝṇām ayujo yugmān devānām icchayā dvijān
With hands sanctified by the pavitra ring of kuśa-grass, and after performing ācamana, he should seat the invited twice-born upon their appointed seats—an odd number for the Pitṛs, and, as desired, an even number for the Devas.
Sage Parāśara (in instruction to Maitreya)
Concept: Ritual purity and correct arrangement in śrāddha uphold ṛta/dharma by properly honoring Devas and Pitṛs through qualified representatives.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Perform ancestral and devotional duties with cleanliness, attentiveness, and respect for prescribed order rather than treating them as mere formality.
Vishishtadvaita: Dharma is service to the Lord’s cosmic order, where Devas and Pitṛs function as dependent recipients within His governance.
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
This verse prescribes an odd count for the Pitṛ-offering, marking a distinct ritual protocol for ancestors and ensuring the śrāddha is performed in the traditionally sanctioned manner.
He places ritual purity first: the performer should have sanctified hands (pavitra/kuśa-ring) and the invitees should be purified by ācamana, then they are seated correctly for the rite.
Though not named in the verse, śrāddha is framed within Vishnu Purana’s dharma-vision where correct rites uphold ṛta (cosmic order), ultimately harmonizing human duty with the Supreme reality that sustains devas and ancestors alike.