Shloka 59
Genealogy of the Ancestors (Pitṛs) and the Procedure of Śrāddha
दत्तं स्वधां पुरोधाय पितॄन्प्रीणाति सर्वदा । आग्नीध्रसोमपाभ्यां तु कार्यमाप्यायनं बुधैः
dattaṃ svadhāṃ purodhāya pitṝnprīṇāti sarvadā | āgnīdhrasomapābhyāṃ tu kāryamāpyāyanaṃ budhaiḥ
เมื่อถวายบูชาพร้อมกล่าวคำ “สวธา” นำหน้า ย่อมยังปิตฤ (ดวงวิญญาณบรรพชน) ให้ยินดีเสมอ แต่บัณฑิตบัญญัติให้บำรุงและเสริมกำลังพิธีด้วยอาหุติสองครั้งแด่อัคนีธระและโสมปา
Unspecified narrator (contextual ritual instruction within Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa; traditional dialogue frame not explicit from single verse).
Concept: Mantra-priority and correct procedure make offerings effective; ‘svadhā’ gratifies Pitṛs, and auxiliary oblations strengthen the rite.
Application: In any duty, begin with the right intention and ‘address’ (who it is for); then support it with the necessary ‘subsidiary steps’ rather than shortcuts.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A close, ritual-focused composition: hands pour a measured offering while the word ‘svadhā’ is visualized as a subtle golden script rising first, then settling like a blessing over faint ancestral silhouettes. Two small side-oblations—Agnīdhra and Somapā—appear as twin flames or twin cups, reinforcing the central act with balanced power.","primary_figures":["yajamāna hands (ritual focus)","pitṛs (subtle silhouettes)","Agnīdhra (symbolic flame presence)","Somapā (symbolic lunar/nectar presence)"],"setting":"minimal altar space with kuśa grass, offering plates, and two subsidiary oblation points","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["ghee-gold","charcoal black","copper bronze","ivory","deep maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: tight altar-centered scene with hands offering, svadhā rendered as gold leaf calligraphy, twin subsidiary flames labeled Agnīdhra and Somapā, ornate borders, rich reds/greens, metallic highlights on vessels.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate ritual vignette with delicate lines, translucent pitṛ-forms, svadhā as faint luminous script, twin small oblations depicted with cool moonlit accents and warm flame tones, refined minimal background.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines of altar and vessels, stylized flame motifs for Agnīdhra and Somapā, svadhā as decorative band of script, strong red/yellow/green palette with black contours.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: decorative altar arrangement with symmetrical twin oblation motifs, floral borders, svadhā integrated into ornamental script bands, deep blue ground with gold and maroon highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["ghee fire crackle","single bell strike at 'svadhā'","soft chanting undertone","brief silence after mantra"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पितॄन्प्रीणाति = पितॄन् प्रीणाति; आग्नीध्रसोमपाभ्यां = आग्नीध्र-सोमपाभ्याम्; कार्यमाप्यायनं = कार्यम् आप्यायनम्.
FAQs
“Svadhā” is the ancestral formula/oblation associated with offerings to the Pitṛs; the verse says that placing svadhā first (as the leading invocation) ensures the ancestors are pleased.
They are invoked as ritual supports for the rite—through their associated oblations the ceremony is said to gain “āpyāyana” (nourishment/strengthening), indicating completeness and efficacy in the śrāddha context.
It emphasizes careful, respectful performance of ancestral rites: sincerity is paired with correct ritual order and completeness, reflecting gratitude to one’s lineage and disciplined observance of dharma.