Shloka 129
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
एकेनैव तु कार्यांणि अविभक्तधनेष्वपि / अन्त्येष्टिं कुरुते ह्येको मुनिभैः समुदाहृतम्
ekenaiva tu kāryāṃṇi avibhaktadhaneṣvapi / antyeṣṭiṃ kurute hyeko munibhaiḥ samudāhṛtam
แม้ทรัพย์สินยังมิได้แบ่งกัน พิธีกรรมทั้งหลายพึงทำโดยคนเดียว; เหล่าฤๅษีกล่าวว่า พิธีอันตเยษฏิก็ทำโดยผู้ประกอบเพียงคนเดียว
Lord Vishnu
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Immediately connected to antyeṣṭi and the initial post-death observances; not to be postponed for property division.
Concept: Even with undivided family wealth, rites—especially antyeṣṭi—are performed by one designated person, as stated by sages.
Vedantic Theme: Order (dharma) as a support for inner steadiness; performing niyata-karman without attachment to property disputes.
Application: Do not delay funeral rites due to inheritance issues; appoint a single karta immediately to perform antyeṣṭi and required observances.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: eligibility rules for śrāddha/antyeṣṭi and the role of the karta (contextual continuity within 2.34)
FAQs
This verse states that the antyeṣṭi should be performed by one person alone, as declared by the sages.
No. Even if the wealth is undivided (avibhakta), the duties—especially the funeral rites—are to be carried out by a single designated performer.
Appoint one responsible family member to lead and complete the funeral rites without dispute, maintaining clarity, unity, and timely observance of dharma.