Shloka 3
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
द्वौ दैवे पितृकार्ये त्रीनेकैकमुभयत्र वा । भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धोऽपि श्राद्धे कुर्यान्न विस्तरम् ॥ ३ ॥
dvau daive pitṛ-kārye trīn ekaikam ubhayatra vā bhojayet susamṛddho ’pi śrāddhe kuryān na vistaram
தேவகாரியத்தில் இரண்டு பிராமணர்களையும், பித்ருகாரியத்தில் மூன்று பிராமணர்களையும் உணவளிக்க அழைக்க வேண்டும்; அல்லது இரண்டிலும் ஒரே பிராமணனே போதும். மிகச் செல்வமுள்ளவராயினும் சிராத்தத்தில் அளவுக்கு மீறி விரிவாக்கம் செய்யவும், அதிக பிராமணர்களை அழைக்கவும் வேண்டாம்।
As we have already mentioned, Śrīla Advaita Ācārya, during the generally observed ceremony to offer oblations to the forefathers, invited only Haridāsa Ṭhākura. Thus He followed this principle: na me ’bhaktaś catur-vedī mad-bhaktaḥ śva-pacaḥ priyaḥ. The Lord says, “It is not necessary that one become very expert in Vedic knowledge before he can become My bhakta, or devotee. Even if one is born in a family of dog-eaters, he can become My devotee and be very dear to Me, in spite of having taken birth in such a family. Therefore, offerings should be given to My devotee, and whatever My devotee has offered Me should be accepted.” Following this principle, one should invite a first-class brāhmaṇa or Vaiṣṇava — a realized soul — and feed him while observing the śrāddha ceremony to offer oblations to one’s forefathers.
FAQs
This verse advises that even a wealthy person should avoid making a grand display in śrāddha; the rite should be performed with proper sincerity and restraint rather than show.
Nārada is giving practical, scriptural proportions for daiva-kārya (deity/demigod offerings) and pitṛ-kārya (ancestor rites), emphasizing correct procedure over quantity or pomp.
Keep the ceremony simple, respectful, and within one’s means—focus on devotion, gratitude, and proper conduct rather than expensive arrangements meant for social display.