Shloka 39
The Greatness of Offering Piṇḍas at Viṣṇvādipada (Viṣṇupada) — Gayā Śrāddha Procedure and Fruits
भीष्मः पिंडं ददौ भूमौ नाधिकरः करे यतः । शंतनुः प्राह संतुष्टः शास्त्रार्थे निश्चलो भवान् ॥ ३९ ॥
bhīṣmaḥ piṃḍaṃ dadau bhūmau nādhikaraḥ kare yataḥ | śaṃtanuḥ prāha saṃtuṣṭaḥ śāstrārthe niścalo bhavān || 39 ||
भीष्म ने पिण्ड भूमि पर ही अर्पित किया, क्योंकि हाथ में रखने का उसे अधिकार न था। तब प्रसन्न शंतनु बोले—“तुम शास्त्रों के तात्पर्य में अचल हो।”
Suta (narrating); Śaṃtanu (speaking within the narrative)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It emphasizes dharma as scriptural fidelity: even a meritorious act like piṇḍa-dāna must be performed with proper ritual eligibility (adhikāra), showing humility and obedience to śāstra.
Though not a direct bhakti injunction, it supports bhakti through śāstra-niṣṭhā (steadfastness in scripture): devotion is strengthened when worship and rites are done according to ordained rules rather than personal preference.
Kalpa/Smārta ritual procedure is implied—proper handling of offerings and the principle of adhikāra (who is qualified to perform/handle a rite), a key aspect of applied dharma-śāstra practice.