Agni Purana — Bhuvanakosha & Tirtha-mahatmya, Shloka 32
अध्याय ११७ — श्राद्धकल्पः
The Procedure for Śrāddha
एकोद्दिष्टं प्रवक्ष्यामि श्राद्धं पूर्ववदाचरेत् एकं पवित्रमेकार्धं एकं पिण्डम्प्रदापयेत्
ekoddiṣṭaṃ pravakṣyāmi śrāddhaṃ pūrvavadācaret ekaṃ pavitramekārdhaṃ ekaṃ piṇḍampradāpayet
Je vais exposer l’ekoddiṣṭa-śrāddha. On doit accomplir le śrāddha comme précédemment (selon la manière ordinaire), mais avec des éléments uniques: un anneau pavitra en herbe kuśa, une offrande argha, et l’on présentera un seul piṇḍa (boulette de riz).
Lord Agni (teaching the rite to the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue style)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Ekoḍḍiṣṭa-śrāddha simplification: perform like standard śrāddha but with single pavitra, single argha, and single piṇḍa—typically for a specific departed individual.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Ekoḍḍiṣṭa-Śrāddha: Single Pavitra, Argha, and Piṇḍa","lookup_keywords":["ekoddiṣṭa","śrāddha","pavitra","argha","piṇḍa"],"quick_summary":"Ekoḍḍiṣṭa-śrāddha targets one pitṛ (one deceased) and is done in the standard format but with single, not multiple, ritual items—one pavitra, one argha, one piṇḍa."}
Concept: Ritual intention (saṅkalpa) can be made specific (ekoḍḍiṣṭa) while preserving core structure; economy of means without loss of dharmic form.
Application: When performing for one departed person (e.g., recent ancestor), keep the rite focused and avoid unnecessary multiplicity of items.
Khanda Section: Śrāddha-vidhi (Ancestor rites and funeral ritual procedure)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A minimal śrāddha setup: one kuśa-pavitra ring, one argha vessel of water, and a single rice-ball piṇḍa placed before the officiant, indicating a rite dedicated to one ancestor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, austere composition: priest and householder near a small vedi, prominently shown single pavitra ring and one piṇḍa on leaf, subdued tones, mood of remembrance","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central still-life emphasis on single argha pot and single piṇḍa with gold detailing, figures in reverent posture, ornate frame","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, diagrammatic clarity: three highlighted items (pavitra, argha, piṇḍa) with fine outlines, calm indoor courtyard, instructional scene","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, close-up ritual table with one rice-ball and one water vessel, meticulous textures, a lone intended ancestor implied via small framed memorial symbol, quiet solemn palette"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Todi","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ekoddiṣṭam = eka+uddiṣṭam; pūrvavad ācaret → pūrvavat ācaret; pavitram ekārdham → pavitram eka-ardham; piṇḍam pradāpayet (sandhi in source: piṇḍampradāpayet).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 117 (standard śrāddha described earlier: ‘pūrvavat’)
FAQs
It specifies the ekoddiṣṭa-śrāddha variation: perform the rite in the standard śrāddha manner but use single, simplified offerings—one pavitra, one argha, and one piṇḍa.
It functions as a procedural ritual manual, cataloging precise variants of dharma-rites (śrāddha types and their materials), showing the text’s compendium-like coverage beyond mythology into applied ritual practice.
By correctly offering the dedicated single piṇḍa and associated purificatory items, the performer fulfills duty toward the departed, supporting ancestral satisfaction (pitṛ-tṛpti) and accruing purifying merit through properly ordered śrāddha.