Shloka 46
Gayā-yātrā-vidhi: Multi-day Śrāddha Route, Pitṛ-devatās, and Akṣaya Merit at Gayā
माता पितामही चैव तथैव प्रपितामही / तथा मातामहश्चैव प्रमातामह एव च
mātā pitāmahī caiva tathaiva prapitāmahī / tathā mātāmahaścaiva pramātāmaha eva ca
La mère, la grand-mère paternelle et de même l’arrière-grand-mère paternelle ; ainsi que le grand-père maternel, et aussi, certes, l’arrière-grand-père maternel.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Ritual responsibility extends to maternal and paternal ancestors; dharma is inclusive and systematic.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as harmonizing social-cosmic order (ṛta-like) through correct enumeration and intention.
Application: During śrāddha saṅkalpa, name mother and grandmothers, and maternal grandfather line; avoid excluding maternal ancestors.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: ritual enumeration context
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: śrāddha beneficiary lists including maternal relations (general parallel)
FAQs
This verse enumerates specific family elders to be included in ancestral remembrance and offerings, clarifying who is counted within śrāddha-related obligations.
Indirectly, it supports the Garuda Purana’s ritual framework: offerings and remembrance are directed to defined ancestors, which the text connects elsewhere to post-death welfare and continuity of rites.
When performing śrāddha/tarpaṇa, ensure both paternal and maternal lines are respectfully acknowledged as per traditional lists, rather than limiting remembrance to only one side.