Shloka 44
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
अरण्ये वर्त्मनि वने क्षुधया तृषया हताः । भूतप्रेतपिशाचैश्च तेभ्यः पिण्डं ददाम्यहम् ॥ ४४ ॥
araṇye vartmani vane kṣudhayā tṛṣayā hatāḥ | bhūtapretapiśācaiśca tebhyaḥ piṇḍaṃ dadāmyaham || 44 ||
荒野にて—道の上、森の中—飢えと渇きに倒れた者、また bhūta・preta・piśāca に悩まされた者に、我はこのピṇḍa（葬送の米団子供養）を捧げる。
Narada (in a ritual declaration of piṇḍa-dāna / śrāddha intention)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It universalizes śrāddha compassion: the offering is dedicated not only to known ancestors but also to neglected, suffering departed beings—especially those who died without support—so they may receive relief and a better onward passage.
By making a selfless offering for unseen beings, the devotee practices dayā (compassion) and seva as a form of dharmic bhakti—an act aligned with Vishnu-centered purity and welfare of all jīvas, not merely one’s own lineage.
It reflects kalpa (ritual procedure) through the śrāddha/ piṇḍa-dāna sankalpa style—explicitly naming recipient categories to ensure the rite’s intention (saṅkalpa) and fruit (phala) are properly directed.