Shloka 38

The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya

Devanagari script

अस्मत्कुले मृता ये च गतियषां न विद्यते । तेषामुद्धरणार्थाय इमं पिण्डंददाम्यहम् ॥ ३८ ॥

Transliteration

asmatkule mṛtā ye ca gatiyaṣāṃ na vidyate | teṣāmuddharaṇārthāya imaṃ piṇḍaṃdadāmyaham || 38 ||

Translation

สำหรับผู้ล่วงลับในวงศ์ตระกูลของเรา ผู้ซึ่งไร้หนทางไปต่อหรือที่พึ่งอันสมควร เพื่อการเกื้อกูลให้พ้นทุกข์ ข้าพเจ้าขอถวายปิณฑะนี้

Word by Word

अस्मत्-कुलेin our family

मृताः(those who are) dead

येwho

चand

गतिः(their) passage/afterlife destination

येषाम्of whom

नnot

विद्यतेexists/is found

तेषाम्of them

उद्धरण-अर्थायfor (their) deliverance

इमम्this

पिण्डम्rice-ball offering (piṇḍa)

ददामिI give

अहम्I

Speaker

Ritual performer (Śrāddha-kartṛ; the householder speaking the śrāddha-saṅkalpa/utterance as presented in the Narada Purana narrative frame)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"karuna","secondary_rasa":"shanta","emotional_journey":"Begins with concern for neglected ancestors lacking gati, resolves into compassionate action through piṇḍa-offering for their upliftment."}

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It states the intent (saṅkalpa-bhāva) behind piṇḍadāna: the offering is made specifically to uplift departed relatives of one’s lineage who lack proper support or onward passage, affirming śrāddha as an act of dharma and compassion.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

While primarily ritual-dharma, it reflects bhakti through selfless offering and responsibility toward one’s ancestors; such acts, when performed with reverence and dedication, align one’s life with sacred duty and devotion-driven purity.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

It highlights ritual application (Kalpa/Śrauta–Smārta prayoga) through the correct intention-statement for piṇḍadāna; the verse functions like a liturgical formula used during śrāddha rites.