Shloka 174
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
गोभूहिरण्यवासांसि भव्यानि शयनानि च । दद्याद्यदिष्टं विप्राणामात्मनः पितुरेव च
gobhūhiraṇyavāsāṃsi bhavyāni śayanāni ca | dadyādyadiṣṭaṃ viprāṇāmātmanaḥ pitureva ca
ഗോ, ഭൂമി, സ്വർണം, വസ്ത്രങ്ങൾ, ഉത്തമ ശയനങ്ങൾ എന്നിവ ദാനം ചെയ്യണം. കൂടാതെ പ്രിയമോ ഇഷ്ടമോ ആയതെന്തും, തനിക്കും പിതാവിനും ഹിതാർത്ഥമായി ബ്രാഹ്മണർക്കു നൽകണം.
Unspecified (narrative instruction within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Dāna of substantial supports of life (cow, land, gold, clothing, bed) offered to brāhmaṇas accrues merit for oneself and one’s father—linking personal welfare with ancestral uplift.
Application: Practice structured generosity: support teachers/priests/elders, donate essentials (food, clothing, shelter), and dedicate the merit to ancestors with a clear intention.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A dignified gifting ceremony: a decorated cow with a garland and turmeric marks stands beside a small plot deed and a tray of gold coins and folded garments. The donor bows to a seated brāhmaṇa, mentally dedicating the merit to his father, while attendants hold a fine bedspread symbolizing śayyā-dāna.","primary_figures":["householder donor","brāhmaṇa recipients","decorated cow"],"setting":"village courtyard near a small shrine, with gift items arranged on woven mats and brass trays","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["saffron yellow","cowhide umber","golden ochre","leaf green","ivory white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: ceremonial go-dāna with a garlanded cow, gold coins and silk garments on ornate trays; gold leaf highlights on jewelry and vessels, deep red backdrop, emerald accents, symmetrical composition with traditional South Indian iconographic richness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: pastoral courtyard with a gentle cow, delicate textiles, and a calm brāhmaṇa receiving gifts; soft mountain-like horizon, cool greens and creams, lyrical trees, refined facial expressions, intricate patterns on garments.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; the cow and gift trays stylized and prominent; warm red and yellow fields, green borders, temple-wall aesthetic, expressive eyes and rhythmic ornamentation.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: charity scene framed by lotus creepers and peacocks; deep blue ground with gold floral borders; cow adorned like a sacred companion, subtle śaṅkha-cakra motifs indicating Viṣṇu’s sanction of dāna."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["cow bells","soft chanting","temple bell","rustle of cloth","footsteps on courtyard earth"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गोभूहिरण्यवासांसि (समास/समाहार-द्वन्द्व) = गो + भू + हिरण्य + वासांसि; दद्याद्यदिष्टं → दद्यात् + यत् + इष्टम्; विप्राणामात्मनः → विप्राणाम् + आत्मनः; पितुरेव → पितुः + एव
FAQs
It teaches dāna (charitable giving)—especially traditional high-merit gifts like cows, land, gold, clothing, and beds—directed to brāhmaṇas, with the intention of spiritual benefit for oneself and one’s father (ancestral merit).
In Purāṇic dharma literature, brāhmaṇas are frequently presented as proper recipients for ritual charity because they preserve Vedic learning and perform rites; giving to them is framed as a meritorious act that supports dharma and yields religious fruit.
It emphasizes generosity and responsibility—using one’s valued possessions for righteous giving, and remembering one’s obligations to family lineage (especially the father/ancestors) through acts dedicated for their welfare.