Shloka 29
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
श्राद्धदानं प्रकर्तव्यं तस्माद्विप्रं निमंत्रयेत् । आतिथ्यं तु प्रकर्तव्यमपूर्वं नृपसत्तम
śrāddhadānaṃ prakartavyaṃ tasmādvipraṃ nimaṃtrayet | ātithyaṃ tu prakartavyamapūrvaṃ nṛpasattama
तस्मात् श्राद्धदानं विधिवत् कर्तव्यं; तदर्थं विप्रं निमन्त्रयेत्। अतिथिपूजनमपि अपूर्वं दातव्यं, हे नृपसत्तम॥
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (addressing a king: nṛpasattama).
Concept: Śrāddha and hospitality are obligatory; invite a brāhmaṇa and offer exceptional atithi-satkāra as a hallmark of righteous kingship.
Application: Maintain a culture of generous hospitality; support learned and virtuous spiritual practitioners; treat ritual obligations as opportunities for gratitude toward ancestors and society.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A king orders a grand yet dignified śrāddha arrangement: clean kusa seats, silver water pots, sesame and rice offerings, and a respectful invitation to a brāhmaṇa. Servants bring fresh garments, garlands, and a meal prepared with care, portraying ‘apūrva’ hospitality that feels both royal and reverent.","primary_figures":["king (nṛpasa ttama)","invited brāhmaṇa","purohita","servants carrying offerings"],"setting":"palace hall opening into a ritual courtyard with a decorated canopy and dining area for guests","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["royal blue","antique gold","lotus pink","cream white","emerald green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the king offering a respectful invitation (nimantraṇa) to a brāhmaṇa beside a richly adorned śrāddha pavilion; gold leaf on jewelry, lamps, and architectural borders; saturated reds/greens, symmetrical composition, ornate textiles and gem-studded crowns.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a refined court scene with open arches to a garden; the king extends a garland and water pot to the brāhmaṇa; delicate brushwork, soft mountain-like horizon, lyrical naturalism, patterned carpets and subtle gestures of humility.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal figures with bold outlines; the king and brāhmaṇa near ritual vessels and lamps; warm pigments, stylized lotus motifs, temple-wall composition emphasizing dharma and generosity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: hospitality scene framed by lotus creepers and floral borders; symmetrical lamps and offering trays; deep blue background with gold highlights, peacocks at corners, devotional mood of service."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","footsteps on stone courtyard","soft veena drone","water poured for pādya/arghya"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्माद्विप्रम् = तस्मात् + विप्रम्; प्रकर्तव्यमपूर्वम् = प्रकर्तव्यम् + अपूर्वम् (म् + अ → म); नृपसत्तम = नृप + सत्तम (समास).
FAQs
It emphasizes performing śrāddha-related giving (śrāddha-dāna), inviting a brāhmaṇa for the rite, and extending generous hospitality to guests.
In the śrāddha context, a brāhmaṇa is traditionally invited to receive offerings and to conduct or sanctify the rite through learning, mantra, and proper procedure.
A ruler should uphold dharma by supporting sacred rites through charity and by practicing exemplary hospitality—making generosity a public standard.