Shloka 14
Pātra-Nirṇaya and Ritual Procedure: Who to Feed, Who to Avoid, and Step-by-Step Śrāddha Performance
पवित्रपाणिर् आचान्तान् आसनेषूपवेशयेत् पितॄणाम् अयुजो युग्मान् देवानाम् इच्छया द्विजान्
pavitrapāṇir ācāntān āsaneṣūpaveśayet pitṝṇām ayujo yugmān devānām icchayā dvijān
पवित्रपाणिर् आचान्तान् आसनेषूपवेशयेत्। पितॄणाम् अयुजो युग्मान् देवानाम् इच्छया द्विजान्॥
Sage Parāśara (in instruction to Maitreya)
Concept: Ritual purity and correct arrangement in śrāddha uphold ṛta/dharma by properly honoring Devas and Pitṛs through qualified representatives.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Perform ancestral and devotional duties with cleanliness, attentiveness, and respect for prescribed order rather than treating them as mere formality.
Vishishtadvaita: Dharma is service to the Lord’s cosmic order, where Devas and Pitṛs function as dependent recipients within His governance.
Bhakti Type: Dasya
FAQs
This verse prescribes an odd count for the Pitṛ-offering, marking a distinct ritual protocol for ancestors and ensuring the śrāddha is performed in the traditionally sanctioned manner.
He places ritual purity first: the performer should have sanctified hands (pavitra/kuśa-ring) and the invitees should be purified by ācamana, then they are seated correctly for the rite.
Though not named in the verse, śrāddha is framed within Vishnu Purana’s dharma-vision where correct rites uphold ṛta (cosmic order), ultimately harmonizing human duty with the Supreme reality that sustains devas and ancestors alike.