Shloka 26
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
अविज्ञातः प्रकर्तव्यो ब्राह्मणो नैव जानता । यस्यापि ज्ञायते वंशः कुलं त्रिपुरुषं तथा
avijñātaḥ prakartavyo brāhmaṇo naiva jānatā | yasyāpi jñāyate vaṃśaḥ kulaṃ tripuruṣaṃ tathā
Seorang brāhmaṇa yang tidak diketahui asal-usulnya janganlah diangkat oleh orang yang tidak sungguh mengenal; dan sekalipun garis keturunannya diketahui, hendaknya silsilah keluarganya dipastikan hingga tiga generasi.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Adhyaya 67; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma instructional dialogue common to Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Do not appoint an unknown brāhmaṇa for rites if you cannot verify him; even when lineage is known, ascertain family conduct across three generations.
Application: Exercise careful discernment when selecting spiritual guides, charities, or ritual service providers; verify character and conduct, not merely titles.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king consults a senior sage while several brāhmaṇas stand before them; the sage holds a palm-leaf register, symbolizing verification of lineage and conduct. Behind, a śrāddha altar waits—its readiness contrasted with the caution to ensure the right person receives and officiates, lest the rite be compromised.","primary_figures":["a king","a senior dharma-sage","candidate brāhmaṇas","scribes/attendants"],"setting":"Court-adjacent ritual hall with palm-leaf manuscripts, genealogical records, and a prepared śrāddha altar with kuśa and vessels.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["palm-leaf tan","ink black","saffron cloth","stone gray","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a sage with gold-leaf halo examines palm-leaf genealogies while the king listens; brāhmaṇa candidates stand in a row; a śrāddha altar with vessels and kuśa is visible; rich reds/greens, gem-studded ornaments, ornate arch and gold embellishment emphasizing dharmic scrutiny.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a refined court-ritual scene with delicate brushwork; the sage reads a palm-leaf manuscript, pointing to a lineage list; the king’s expression is thoughtful; soft green courtyard trees and patterned rugs; subtle tension of discernment rendered with calm elegance.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of the sage holding palm leaves, king seated respectfully, candidates in profile; clear bands showing the altar and manuscripts; natural pigments with dominant reds/yellows/greens, temple-wall didactic clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical composition with a central manuscript motif framed by lotus borders; the king and sage at center, brāhmaṇas arranged on both sides; intricate floral patterns, deep blue accents with gold detailing, devotional textile richness applied to a dharma theme."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["page rustle (palm leaves)","soft bell","low murmurs","distant fire crackle","measured pauses for emphasis"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नैव → न + एव; यस्यापि → यस्य + अपि
FAQs
It advises that one should not engage an unverified Brahmin for religious duties, and even when lineage is known, the family line should be checked up to three generations.
It indicates verification across three generations (typically father–grandfather–great-grandfather) to ensure the continuity and credibility of the family line.
Discernment and due diligence: religious responsibilities should be entrusted carefully, not casually, and social/religious trust should rest on verified conduct and pedigree as framed by the text’s dharma norms.