Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 81
Śrāddha-prayoga: Niyama, Brāhmaṇa-parīkṣā, Kutapa-kāla, Tithi-nyāya, and Vaiṣṇava-phala
परेद्युः श्राद्धकृन्मर्त्यो यो न तर्पयते पितॄन् । तत्कुलं नाशमायाति ब्रह्महत्यां च विंदति ॥ ८१ ॥
paredyuḥ śrāddhakṛnmartyo yo na tarpayate pitṝn | tatkulaṃ nāśamāyāti brahmahatyāṃ ca viṃdati || 81 ||
முந்தைய நாளில் ஸ்ராத்தம் செய்தும் பித்ருக்களுக்கு தர்ப்பணம் செய்யாத மனிதனின் குலம் அழிவடையும்; அவன் பிரம்மஹத்தியை ஒத்த பாவத்தை அடைவான்.
Narada (teaching in a Dharma-śāstra style within the Narada Purana narrative)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
The verse asserts that śrāddha is not merely a formal rite; it must culminate in Pitṛ-tarpaṇa (libations/offerings that ‘satisfy’ the ancestors). Omitting tarpaṇa voids the intended spiritual nourishment to the Pitṛs and brings severe demerit affecting one’s lineage.
Indirectly, it frames devotion as disciplined dharma: honoring one’s Pitṛs through prescribed rites is part of righteous living that supports sattva and steadiness—foundational qualities for sustained Vishnu-bhakti emphasized throughout the Narada Purana.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is highlighted: the correct sequencing and completeness of śrāddha—including mandatory tarpaṇa—are treated as essential technical requirements, not optional additions.