Shloka 14
श्राद्ध-योग्य द्रव्य, निषेध, तथा गयाश्राद्ध-माहात्म्य (Śrāddha Materials, Prohibitions, and the Glory of Gayā)
तस्मात् परिश्रिते कुर्याच् श्राद्धं श्रद्धासमन्वितः उर्व्यां च तिलविक्षेपाद् यातुधानान् निवारयेत्
tasmāt pariśrite kuryāc śrāddhaṃ śraddhāsamanvitaḥ urvyāṃ ca tilavikṣepād yātudhānān nivārayet
Therefore, in a properly prepared and consecrated place, one should perform the śrāddha with steadfast faith; and by casting sesame upon the ground, one should ward off the yātudhānas—hostile forces that obstruct the rite.
Sage Parāśara (teaching Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Proper preparation of place and protective measures for śrāddha
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: practical and prescriptive
Concept: Śraddhā and a properly sanctified locus safeguard the rite, while simple apotropaic acts (tilavikṣepa) repel obstructive yātudhānas.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Before remembrance rituals, create a clean, focused space and begin with intentionality; use symbolic boundaries to protect attention from distraction.
Vishishtadvaita: Śraddhā as a real, efficacious disposition that aligns the act with its divine governance, making ritual a form of devotional service.
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
This verse states that scattering sesame on the ground functions as a protective measure, helping to ward off obstructive forces (yātudhānas) that may disturb the śrāddha.
He emphasizes performing the rite in a properly prepared place with sincere faith, and adds a specific protective action—tilavikṣepa (scattering sesame)—to prevent disruptions.
Even when Vishnu is not named in the verse, the Purana frames dharma and ritual order as part of the cosmic governance upheld by the Supreme—so correct śrāddha, done with faith and purity, aligns the household with that divine order.