Shloka 5
Śrāddha-utpatti and Nivāpa–Agni Precedence (श्राद्धोत्पत्तिः—निवापेऽग्निपूर्वकत्वम्)
आश्लेषायां ददच्छाद्धं धीरान् पुत्रान् प्रजायते । ज्ञातीनां तु भवेच्छेष्ठो मघासु श्राद्धमावपन्
āśleṣāyāṃ dadac chrāddhaṃ dhīrān putrān prajāyate | jñātīnāṃ tu bhavec chreṣṭho maghāsu śrāddham āvapan |
Bhishma disse: “Quem oferece o rito de śrāddha quando a Lua está em Āśleṣā é abençoado com filhos firmes e corajosos. E quem realiza o śrāddha e oferece as oblações de piṇḍa quando a Lua está em Maghā torna-se o primeiro entre os seus parentes—alcançando honra e preeminência na família por seu fiel dever para com os ancestrais.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that faithful performance of ancestral rites (śrāddha, including piṇḍa offerings) is a form of dharma that yields tangible social and familial fruits: worthy offspring and honor among one’s kin. It also reflects the traditional view that the timing of rites according to nakṣatras is spiritually significant.
In Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma, including gifts, vows, and rites for ancestors. Here he specifies auspicious results associated with performing śrāddha when the Moon is in particular lunar mansions—Āśleṣā and Maghā—linking ritual observance to family welfare and reputation.