Shloka 26
Brahmā’s Puṣkara Sacrifice: Ṛtvij System, Sāvitrī’s Reconciliation, Tīrtha-Catalogue, Śrāddha & Initiation Rites, and Vrata Fruits
सहस्रभोज्यं दातव्यं स्नात्वा चावभृथे क्रतौ । यजमानेन सर्वस्वं देयं स्वायंभुवोब्रवीत्
sahasrabhojyaṃ dātavyaṃ snātvā cāvabhṛthe kratau | yajamānena sarvasvaṃ deyaṃ svāyaṃbhuvobravīt
ครั้นอาบน้ำในพิธีอวภฤถะอันเป็นบทสรุปแห่งยัญพิธีแล้ว พึงจัดมหาทานเป็นภัตตาหารแก่หนึ่งพัน (ผู้มา) ผู้เป็นยชามานะพึงสละทรัพย์สินทั้งปวง—ดังที่สวายัมภูวะประกาศไว้
Svāyaṃbhuva (traditionally Svāyaṃbhuva Manu; sometimes used as an epithet of Brahmā—context needed for certainty)
Concept: The highest completion of yajña is not only offerings but self-emptying generosity: feeding many and relinquishing possessions after the avabhṛtha bath.
Application: Mark endings (projects, rituals, life milestones) with purification and giving: host a meal, donate meaningfully, and consciously release attachment to outcomes and possessions.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: river
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"At the riverbank after the avabhṛtha, the yajamāna emerges from sacred waters, wet hair bound, wearing fresh white cloth, while a thousand guests sit in long rows awaiting a consecrated feast. Behind him, chests of wealth and ornaments are opened not for display but for distribution; the atmosphere is triumphant yet humble, as if the sacrifice culminates in compassion.","primary_figures":["Svāyaṃbhuva (as authoritative lawgiver/Manu or Brahmā)","yajamāna","rows of guests (brāhmaṇas, ascetics, the poor)","ritual priests"],"setting":"Riverbank adjacent to the yajña-śālā; banana-leaf or wooden platters laid in rows; attendants carrying pots of water and food; distant smoke from the completed fire rite.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["river-silver","pure white","marigold gold","vermillion","deep teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: majestic riverbank avabhṛtha scene with gold-leaf shimmer on the water and ornaments; the yajamāna in white, distributing wealth, long rows of diners, ornate vessels, rich reds and greens, gem-studded details, sacred fire visible in the background under an arch-like frame.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene river curve with delicate ripples; the yajamāna stepping from water, attendants serving a vast feast in orderly rows, soft dawn sky, refined facial expressions conveying humility and fulfillment, subtle detailing of food platters and ritual vessels.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized river as flowing bands; bold outlines of the yajamāna and diners in registers, strong red-yellow-green palette, decorative borders with lotus and conch motifs, emphasis on the concluding purity of avabhṛtha and the grandeur of anna-dāna.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional feast mandala by a stylized river; lotus motifs and ornate borders, repeated platter patterns, deep indigo background with gold highlights, peacocks at the margins, abundance rendered as intricate textile geometry."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"celebratory","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["flowing water","temple bells","conch shell","soft communal murmurs","drum marking completion"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: च + अवभृथे → चावभृथे; स्वायंभुवः + अब्रवीत् → स्वायंभुवोब्रवीत् (ओ-आ सन्धि)
FAQs
It prescribes large-scale generosity: feeding a thousand guests (sahasrabhojya) and extensive donation by the yajamāna, described as giving away “all one’s wealth.”
Yes. It frames dāna as the ethical completion of the ritual—sacrifice culminates not only in rites like avabhṛtha but also in public benefit through feeding and giving.
The verse highlights non-attachment and social responsibility: religious merit is linked to sharing resources widely, especially after performing a major yajña.