Skanda Purana — Prabhasa Khanda, Shloka 66
रसा यत्र प्रशस्यन्ते भोक्तारो बंधुगोत्रिणः । राजवार्तादि संक्रंदो रक्षःश्राद्धस्य लक्षणम्
rasā yatra praśasyante bhoktāro baṃdhugotriṇaḥ | rājavārtādi saṃkraṃdo rakṣaḥśrāddhasya lakṣaṇam
எங்கு உண்போர்—உறவினரும் ஒரே கோத்திரத்தவரும்—உணவின் சுவைகளைப் புகழ்ந்து பேசுகிறார்களோ, எங்கு அரசவார்த்தை முதலிய கிசுகிசு-கூச்சல் இருக்கிறதோ—அது ‘ரக்ஷஃ-ஸ்ராத்த’த்தின் இலக்கணம்; அதாவது ஒழுக்கக் குறையால் கெடுந்த ஸ்ராத்தம்.
Sūta (deduced from Purāṇic narration style within Prabhāsa-khaṇḍa)
Tirtha: Prabhāsa-kṣetra
Type: kshetra
Scene: A śrāddha dining scene with two contrasting moods: on one side, relatives loudly praising flavors and discussing royal affairs; shadowy ‘rakṣaḥ’ presence implied. On the other, an ideal quiet śrāddha with composed brāhmaṇas and focused offerings.
FAQs
Śrāddha is a sacred offering, not a feast; purity of intention and restraint in speech safeguard its merit.
The guidance is given in Prabhāsakṣetra-māhātmya, where correct pitṛ-rites complement pilgrimage sanctity.
Avoid conducting śrāddha as a social meal—do not invite same-gotra relatives as diners, do not indulge in loud worldly talk, and do not turn attention to culinary enjoyment.