Shloka 5
Śrāddha-dvija-parīkṣā: Paṅkti-dūṣa and Paṅkti-pāvana (श्राद्धे द्विजपरीक्षा—पङ्क्तिदूष-पङ्क्तिपावन)
पितृन् पूज्यादितः पश्चाद्देवतास्तर्पयन्ति वै । तस्मात् तान् सर्वयज्ञेन पुरुष: पूजयेत् सदा
pitṝn pūjyāditaḥ paścād devatās tarpayanti vai | tasmāt tān sarvayajñena puruṣaḥ pūjayet sadā ||
“Ang marurunong ay unang nagbibigay-galang sa mga Pitṛ, at saka pa lamang pinasisiyahan ang mga diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga handog. Kaya nararapat na laging parangalan ng tao ang mga Pitṛ sa lahat ng anyo ng yajña at banal na ritwal.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should prioritize honoring the ancestors (Pitṛs) before worshipping the gods, and maintain continual reverence for the Pitṛs through all sacrificial and sacred rites—gratitude to lineage is presented as a primary dharmic obligation.
In Bhīṣma’s instruction on dharma (Anuśāsana Parva), he lays down a ritual-ethical order: first perform acts of honor and satisfaction for the ancestors, then proceed to offerings for the deities, concluding with an injunction to keep Pitṛ-worship as a constant practice.