Shloka 25
Pitṛ-tīrtha Context: Marks of Sin, Śrāddha Discipline, and Karmic Ripening
in Yayāti’s Narrative
यज्ञे तथा महाराज ऋत्विजश्च प्रकारयेत् । तथा विप्राः प्रकर्तव्याः श्राद्धदानाय सर्वदा
yajñe tathā mahārāja ṛtvijaśca prakārayet | tathā viprāḥ prakartavyāḥ śrāddhadānāya sarvadā
மகாராஜா, யாகத்தில் ரித்விஜர்களை முறையாக நியமிப்பதுபோல், ஸ்ராத்த தானத்திற்கும் எப்போதும் தகுதியான விப்ரர்களை நியமிக்க வேண்டும்.
Unspecified narrator addressing a king (mahārāja) within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa discourse
Concept: Just as sacrifices require properly engaged officiants, śrāddha and dāna require duly appointed learned brāhmaṇas; right means and right recipients matter.
Application: Choose qualified guides/teachers for sacred duties; support learning and integrity; when giving charity, prioritize trustworthy channels and genuine need.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal yajña hall is shown with a neatly arranged vedi, ladles, and clarified butter, while officiating priests stand in ordered positions. In a parallel vignette, the same king respectfully invites learned brāhmaṇas to a śrāddha meal, emphasizing that both yajña and śrāddha depend on proper appointment and honor.","primary_figures":["a king (mahārāja)","ṛtvij priests","learned brāhmaṇas","ritual assistants"],"setting":"Grand yajña-śālā with fire altar, banners, and ritual implements; adjoining śrāddha dining area with kuśa mats and offering plates.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["ghee-gold","vermillion red","ivory white","sandalwood beige","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a mahārāja in regal attire appoints ṛtvij near a blazing homa-kunda; adjacent panel shows brāhmaṇas seated for śrāddha-dāna; heavy gold leaf on flames and jewelry, rich reds/greens, ornate pillars and arch, symmetrical South Indian ceremonial grandeur.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined yajña hall with delicate detailing of vedi and utensils; priests in white with subtle saffron borders; the king gestures respectfully while inviting brāhmaṇas; soft morning light, cool balanced palette, lyrical architecture and calm orderliness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of the yajña-vedi and priests; king centrally placed; clear iconographic bands showing yajña on one side and śrāddha-dāna on the other; strong reds/yellows/greens with temple-wall compositional clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ceremonial hall framed by floral borders; central sacred fire with stylized flames; rows of priests and brāhmaṇas; intricate textile patterns, deep blue accents with gold highlights, symmetrical devotional ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["Vedic chant undertone","crackling fire","metal ladle clink","soft bells","murmur of assembled priests"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ऋत्विजश्च → ऋत्विजः + च
FAQs
It instructs that the ṛtvij priests should be properly appointed and engaged so the sacrifice is performed in an orderly and correct manner.
It parallels the careful selection of priests for yajña with the need to duly appoint qualified brāhmaṇas when performing Śrāddha rites and giving donations.
The verse emphasizes dharmic responsibility: sacred rites and charitable giving should be carried out with due care, proper qualifications, and consistent regularity (sarvadā).