Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 20
Śrāddha-prayoga: Niyama, Brāhmaṇa-parīkṣā, Kutapa-kāla, Tithi-nyāya, and Vaiṣṇava-phala
श्राद्धे क्षणस्तु कर्त्तव्यः प्रसादश्चेति सत्तम । निमंत्रयेद्द्विजं प्राज्ञं दर्भपाणिर्जितेंद्रियः ॥ २० ॥
śrāddhe kṣaṇastu karttavyaḥ prasādaśceti sattama | nimaṃtrayeddvijaṃ prājñaṃ darbhapāṇirjiteṃdriyaḥ || 20 ||
హే సత్తమా! శ్రాద్ధంలో తగిన క్షణం/ముహూర్తాన్ని పాటించి ప్రసన్నభావం కలిగి ఉండాలి. ఇంద్రియనిగ్రహంతో, చేతిలో దర్భ పట్టుకొని, ప్రాజ్ఞ ద్విజుణ్ణి ఆహ్వానించాలి।
Narada (teaching the Sanatkumara tradition; instructional voice within the Śrāddha-vidhi context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Śrāddha is not merely an external rite: its efficacy depends on right timing, inner serenity, and disciplined conduct while honoring ancestors through a worthy recipient (a learned brāhmaṇa).
By emphasizing prasāda (a calm, reverent heart) and self-restraint, it frames ritual action as an offering performed with devotional purity—devotion expressed through disciplined, respectful service rather than display.
Ritual procedure and timing (kṣaṇa) align with Vedāṅga principles used in karma-kāṇḍa practice—selecting the proper moment and maintaining prescribed ritual implements like darbha while inviting the officiant.