Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 3
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
द्वौ दैवे पितृकार्ये त्रीनेकैकमुभयत्र वा । भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धोऽपि श्राद्धे कुर्यान्न विस्तरम् ॥ ३ ॥
dvau daive pitṛ-kārye trīn ekaikam ubhayatra vā bhojayet susamṛddho ’pi śrāddhe kuryān na vistaram
Na oferenda aos devas, convide apenas dois brāhmaṇas; na oferenda aos antepassados, três; ou, em qualquer dos casos, um só brāhmaṇa basta. Mesmo sendo muito opulento, não se deve ampliar o śrāddha com ostentação, convidando muitos brāhmaṇas ou fazendo arranjos dispendiosos.
As we have already mentioned, Śrīla Advaita Ācārya, during the generally observed ceremony to offer oblations to the forefathers, invited only Haridāsa Ṭhākura. Thus He followed this principle: na me ’bhaktaś catur-vedī mad-bhaktaḥ śva-pacaḥ priyaḥ. The Lord says, “It is not necessary that one become very expert in Vedic knowledge before he can become My bhakta, or devotee. Even if one is born in a family of dog-eaters, he can become My devotee and be very dear to Me, in spite of having taken birth in such a family. Therefore, offerings should be given to My devotee, and whatever My devotee has offered Me should be accepted.” Following this principle, one should invite a first-class brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava — a realized soul — and feed him while observing the śrāddha ceremony to offer oblations to one’s forefathers.
FAQs
This verse advises that even a wealthy person should avoid making a grand display in śrāddha; the rite should be performed with proper sincerity and restraint rather than show.
Nārada is giving practical, scriptural proportions for daiva-kārya (deity/demigod offerings) and pitṛ-kārya (ancestor rites), emphasizing correct procedure over quantity or pomp.
Keep the ceremony simple, respectful, and within one’s means—focus on devotion, gratitude, and proper conduct rather than expensive arrangements meant for social display.