The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
अष्टकासु च वृद्धौ च गयायां च क्षयेऽहनि । मातुः श्राद्धं पृथक्कुर्यादन्यत्र स्वामिना सर ॥ ७१ ॥
aṣṭakāsu ca vṛddhau ca gayāyāṃ ca kṣaye'hani | mātuḥ śrāddhaṃ pṛthakkuryādanyatra svāminā sara || 71 ||
अष्टकासु च वृद्धौ च गयायां च क्षयेऽहनि । मातुः श्राद्धं पृथक् कुर्याद् अन्यत्र स्वामिना सह ॥
Narada (teaching śrāddha conventions within Uttara-Bhaga tīrtha/rite discourse)
Vrata: Aṣṭakā (śrāddha occasion)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
It clarifies dharma for pitṛ-kārya: honoring the mother’s ancestral offerings with distinct attention on especially potent śrāddha occasions (Aṣṭakā days, Gayā, and kṣaya-related rites), ensuring proper satisfaction of the pitṛs and maternal lineage.
While primarily ritual-dharma, it supports bhakti through disciplined duty (niyama): correct śrāddha is a Vishnu-aligned dharmic act in Purāṇic tradition, expressing reverence, gratitude, and surrender to sacred order rather than mere custom.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Jyotiṣa-linked timing are implied: specific tithis/occasions like Aṣṭakā and kṣaya days determine when maternal śrāddha is separated versus combined.