Shloka 56
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
सा तिथिर्मासिके श्राद्धे मृतो यस्मिन् दिने नरः / रिक्तयोश्च त्रिपक्षे च सा तिथिर्नाद्रियेत वै
sā tithirmāsike śrāddhe mṛto yasmin dine naraḥ / riktayośca tripakṣe ca sā tithirnādriyeta vai
Bagi śrāddha bulanan, tithi (hari bulan) ketika seseorang meninggal hendaklah dipatuhi. Namun jika tithi itu jatuh pada tithi Rikta (kosong) atau berada dalam tempoh tripakṣa (tiga separuh bulan), maka tithi itu tidak wajar diambil.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Monthly on death tithi, except when that tithi is rikta or falls within tripakṣa restrictions; then it should not be adopted.
Concept: Observe the death tithi for māsika śrāddha, but avoid adopting it when it falls on Rikta tithis or within the tripakṣa period.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma requires discernment (viveka) and context-sensitive application, not mere mechanical repetition.
Application: Check the pañcāṅga: if the death tithi coincides with rikta tithis or tripakṣa constraints, shift according to accepted śrāddha-vidhi guidance rather than forcing the date.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.34.54 (death tithi rule); 2.34.57 (tithi substitutions).
FAQs
This verse teaches that the death-anniversary tithi is the default basis for monthly śrāddha, but ritual timing must follow dharmic constraints—certain tithis/periods are considered unsuitable and should be avoided.
It states that even if the death tithi recurs, it should not be observed for the monthly śrāddha when it coincides with Rikta (void/inauspicious) tithis or falls within the tripakṣa (three-fortnight) period.
When planning monthly śrāddha, consult a traditional pañcāṅga or a qualified priest to avoid restricted tithis/periods, ensuring the rite is performed on a dharmically appropriate day.