Varaha Purana 14.23 — Adhyaya 14, Shloka 23
Ritual Procedure for Śrāddha: Sequence, Eligibility, and Offerings to Ancestors
ततोऽन्नं मृष्टमत्यर्थमभीष्टमभिसंस्कृतम् । दत्त्वा जुषध्वमिच्छातो वाच्यमेतदनिष्ठुरम् ॥ १४.२३ ॥
tato 'nnaṃ mṛṣṭam atyartham abhīṣṭam abhisaṃskṛtam | dattvā juṣadhvam icchāto vācyam etad aniṣṭhuram || 14.23 ||
Então, tendo oferecido alimento bem preparado, de escolha excelsa e cuidadosamente purificado, deve-se dizer conforme o desejo: “Por favor, tomai e comei”, proferindo tais palavras sem aspereza.
Varāha (default dialogue framework)
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"instructor"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"topic":"shraddha","instruction_summary":"Offer well-prepared, choice, refined food to brāhmaṇas and invite them to eat with gentle, non-harsh speech.","karmic_consequence":"Sweet speech and proper hospitality secure the rite’s fruit and brāhmaṇa-prasāda; harshness or stinginess obstructs merit and is counted as aparādha in śrāddha."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"ethics of speech (vāk-śuddhi)","core_concept":"Dharma is carried not only by offerings but by the quality of intention and speech—gentleness sanctifies giving.","practical_application":"When hosting or giving, use invitational, non-wounding words; prioritize cleanliness, taste, and care in what is offered."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Ritual Hospitality","Speech Conduct"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: mādhurya
Type: ritual_hall/household space
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 14.14.24 (giver’s and eater’s demeanor)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The host presents beautifully prepared dishes and respectfully says ‘jūṣadhvam’ (please partake), with a calm face and folded hands; brāhmaṇas sit ready to eat.","item_prompts":["covered platters of refined food","host with añjali gesture","seated brāhmaṇas on kuśa mats","water vessel for ācamana","clean serving ladle"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized banquet setting, rhythmic repetition of seated sages, host speaking gently; emphasis on hand gestures and facial serenity.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: ornate serving vessels with gold accents, rich textiles, symmetrical composition with central host offering food.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: refined expressions, detailed cuisine items, soft interior lighting, elegant posture of brāhmaṇas.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: intimate hospitality scene, delicate architecture, expressive gentle speech moment, minimal but evocative utensils."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"gentle and invitational","suggested_raga":"Kalyāṇi/Yaman (for sweetness)","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"soft, courteous, clear diction"}
FAQs
It reflects a common Purāṇic ethical ideal: hospitality (atithi-satkara) is not only material (offering well-prepared food) but also verbal, requiring courteous, non-abrasive speech.
No geographic location is specified in this verse; the content is normative guidance on conduct rather than a place-based description.
Offer high-quality food respectfully and accompany the gift with gentle, non-harsh words—emphasizing civility and care in both action and speech.
Ask anything about this verse
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