Shloka 176
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
दत्वाशीः प्रतिगृह्णीयाद्द्विजेभ्योपि यथा बुधः । अघोराः पितरः संतु संत्वित्युक्तः पुनर्द्विजैः
datvāśīḥ pratigṛhṇīyāddvijebhyopi yathā budhaḥ | aghorāḥ pitaraḥ saṃtu saṃtvityuktaḥ punardvijaiḥ
ఆశీర్వాదం ఇచ్చిన తరువాత జ్ఞాని ద్విజుల నుండికూడా ప్రత్యాశీర్వాదాన్ని స్వీకరించాలి. మళ్లీ బ్రాహ్మణులు అన్నారు—“పితృదేవతలు అఘోరులు, అనగా శుభకరులు కావాలి; తథాస్తు।”
Narrative voice describing a rite; 'dvijaiḥ' (Brahmins) are explicitly quoted as speaking the benediction.
Concept: Ritual is relational: after giving blessings, the wise should also accept blessings from brāhmaṇas; the benediction asks that the ancestors be ‘non-terrifying’—benevolent guardians rather than fearful forces.
Application: Give respect and also receive it without ego; end important actions with a clear, benevolent intention for all unseen relations (ancestors, elders, community).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the rite’s close, brāhmaṇas raise their hands in blessing while the householder bows, palms together, receiving the words like a visible stream of light. Above them, the ancestors appear softened—no longer shadowy, but calm and protective—signifying ‘aghora’ benevolence settling over the household.","primary_figures":["brāhmaṇas (dvija)","householder (yajamāna)","Pitṛs (benevolent presences)"],"setting":"ritual hall/courtyard with kusa mats, offering vessels, and a small svasti-plate of rice and flowers","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["warm gold","sandalwood beige","copper amber","lotus pink","smoky violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: brāhmaṇas bestowing blessing with gold leaf rays emanating from their hands; the yajamāna receiving with folded palms; ancestors above rendered as gentle luminous forms; rich red background, ornate borders, gem-studded ornaments and detailed textiles.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate blessing exchange with delicate gestures; soft light around the spoken mantra; pale gold aura for pitṛs; cool pastel architecture, refined faces, lyrical calmness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; blessing hands emphasized; mantra-words visualized as curling golden bands; pitṛs as stylized guardian figures; red-yellow-green palette with temple-wall texture.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central blessing scene framed by lotus and creeper borders; deep blue ground with gold script-like motifs; subtle śaṅkha-cakra medallions to suggest dharmic protection; intricate floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["svasti chanting","temple bell","brief conch","quiet communal murmur"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दत्वाशीः → दत्वा + आशीः; प्रतिगृह्णीयाद्द्विजेभ्योपि → प्रतिगृह्णीयात् + द्विजेभ्यः + अपि; संत्वित्युक्तः → सन्तु + इति + उक्तः; पुनर्द्विजैः → पुनः + द्विजैः
FAQs
The verse aligns with Śrāddha/dāna etiquette: after giving (dāna) and offering benedictions, one should respectfully accept the Brahmins’ reciprocal blessing, specifically invoking the Pitṛs’ benevolence.
It asks that the Pitṛs be “aghora” (non-fearsome, auspicious, gentle)—i.e., that ancestral forces be pacified and favorable, removing disturbance and granting well-being to the family line.
It teaches humility and reciprocity: even if one is a giver, one should not refuse a sincere blessing from learned ritual specialists; accepting it completes the social and spiritual exchange of the rite.