Shloka 45
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
तीर्थश्राद्धप्रदा यांति यत्र क्षत्रियसत्तमाः । राज्ञां तु पितरस्ते वै स्वर्गभोगफलप्रदाः
tīrthaśrāddhapradā yāṃti yatra kṣatriyasattamāḥ | rājñāṃ tu pitaraste vai svargabhogaphalapradāḥ
यत्र क्षत्रियसत्तमाः प्रयान्ति तत्र तीर्थश्राद्धप्रदं पुण्यं लभ्यते। राज्ञां पितरस्ते वै स्वर्गभोगफलप्रदाः॥
Unspecified (narrative voice within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context)
Concept: Śrāddha performed at tīrthas yields heightened merit; royal ancestors (pitṛs of kings) can bestow heavenly enjoyment as a fruit of such dharmic acts.
Application: When honoring ancestors, choose sacred contexts (temples, rivers, pilgrimage) and perform rites with integrity; for leaders, remember that public duty includes gratitude to lineage and protection of sacred institutions.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal kṣatriya, armored yet humble, stands at a sacred river confluence offering piṇḍa and tila-jala, while priests guide the rite. Above the waters, ancestral kings appear in luminous forms, bestowing a blessing that manifests as a distant vision of svarga’s pleasures—yet framed as dharma’s reward.","primary_figures":["kṣatriya king/pilgrim","brāhmaṇa priests","pitṛs of kings (ancestral figures)"],"setting":"A famed-looking tīrtha ghat with steps into the river, banyan trees, and a small shrine; pilgrims in the background.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["river jade","saffron","royal crimson","antique gold","stone gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: king at the ghat offering śrāddha with priests; pitṛs above in haloed medallions; gold leaf on crowns, halos, and river highlights; ornate temple arch and floral borders; rich reds/greens with gem-studded ornamentation.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical river confluence with delicate architecture and trees; king in modest posture, priests seated; pitṛs as pale luminous ancestors in the sky; soft mountain-like horizon, refined brushwork and cool naturalism.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, patterned garments; king and priests in frontal composition; river rendered as stylized bands; pitṛs as aura figures above; warm pigment palette with temple-wall framing.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symmetrical ghat scene with ornate floral borders; river filled with lotus motifs; pitṛs depicted in circular halos like devotional attendants; deep blue water with gold ripples, intricate textile detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","conch shell","temple bells","chanting of svadhā","birds at dawn"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पितरस्ते = पितरः + ते (विसर्ग-सन्धिः)
FAQs
It links pilgrimage locations (tīrthas) with enhanced efficacy of śrāddha, implying that rites performed in sacred geography yield special ancestral and spiritual results.
Pitṛs are the ancestral spirits/forefathers; the verse says they become bestowers of the fruit of svarga-bhoga—enjoyment of heavenly rewards—especially in relation to royal lineages.
It underscores a Kṣatriya’s duty to uphold lineage obligations through śrāddha and to engage with sacred places, presenting ancestor-veneration as part of righteous governance and social responsibility.