Shloka 22
अनुशासनपर्व अध्याय ९३ — तपस्, सदोपवास, विघसाशन, अतिथिप्रियता
Austerity, regulated fasting, residual-eating, and hospitality
तिलैरविरहितं श्राद्ध कृतं क्रोधवशेन च । यातुधाना: पिशाचाश्न विप्रलुम्पन्ति तद्धवि:
tilair avirahitaṁ śrāddhaṁ kṛtaṁ krodhavaśena ca | yātudhānāḥ piśācāś ca vipralumpanti tad dhaviḥ ||
Bhīṣma dit : Un śrāddha accompli sans graines de sésame (tilā), ou accompli sous l’emprise de la colère, n’atteint pas sa fin sacrée ; l’offrande (havis) est saisie et souillée par des êtres malfaisants — yātudhānas et piśācas. L’enseignement est que les rites aux ancêtres doivent être accomplis avec les matières requises et, par-dessus tout, avec un esprit calme et révérencieux, non dans l’hostilité ou le trouble.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Śrāddha should be performed with the prescribed elements (notably tila) and with inner composure. If done carelessly—especially in anger—the rite becomes vulnerable to obstruction and is considered fruitless, symbolically described as the offering being taken by yātudhānas and piśācas.
In the Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhīṣma teaches Yudhiṣṭhira the proper conduct of śrāddha. Here he warns that omissions (like lack of sesame) and a disturbed mental state (anger) undermine the rite, portrayed as malevolent beings spoiling the havis.