Shloka 18
The Greatness of Offering Piṇḍas at Viṣṇvādipada (Viṣṇupada) — Gayā Śrāddha Procedure and Fruits
आद्यो गदाधरो देवो व्यक्ताव्यक्तार्थमास्थितः । विष्ण्वादिपदरूपेण पितॄणां मुक्तिहेतवे ॥ १८ ॥
ādyo gadādharo devo vyaktāvyaktārthamāsthitaḥ | viṣṇvādipadarūpeṇa pitṝṇāṃ muktihetave || 18 ||
आदि गदाधर देव प्रकट और अप्रकट—दोनों के अर्थस्वरूप स्थित हैं; ‘विष्णु’ आदि पवित्र पद-रूप धारण कर वे पितरों की मुक्ति के हेतु बनते हैं।
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It identifies Viṣṇu (Gadādhara) as the ultimate reality behind both the manifest and unmanifest, and states that remembrance/utterance of His sacred names becomes a direct cause of Pitṛs attaining liberation.
By emphasizing “viṣṇvādipadarūpeṇa,” it highlights nāma-bhakti—devotion through the Lord’s names and epithets—as a potent means that benefits not only the devotee but also one’s ancestors.
The verse points to the power of “pada” (sacred words/names), aligning with Vyākaraṇa and Nirukta in understanding and preserving correct divine appellations used in mantra, śrāddha, and Pitṛ-related rites.