Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 62
श्राद्धं करोति मूढात्मा विहीनं स्थानजैर्द्विजैः । स्थानजैरपि वाऽशुद्धैस्तस्य तद्व्यर्थतां व्रजेत्
śrāddhaṃ karoti mūḍhātmā vihīnaṃ sthānajairdvijaiḥ | sthānajairapi vā'śuddhaistasya tadvyarthatāṃ vrajet
«L’homme à l’esprit égaré accomplit le śrāddha sans les brāhmanes du lieu ; ou même avec des brāhmanes locaux mais impurs : pour lui, ce rite devient vain.»
Viśvāmitra
Type: kshetra
Scene: A cautionary tableau: a pilgrim about to conduct śrāddha is stopped by a sage, pointing to impure or unsuitable priests; the offerings fade symbolically, indicating futility.
FAQs
Rituals require both correct setting and qualified officiants; otherwise, even sacred acts may become fruitless.
The same tīrtha context (Gayākūpī-related), with emphasis on its local ritual ecosystem (sthānaja dvijas).
Do not perform śrāddha without qualified local brāhmaṇas, and avoid impure/unqualified officiants even if local.