Shloka 5
श्राद्ध-योग्य द्रव्य, निषेध, तथा गयाश्राद्ध-माहात्म्य (Śrāddha Materials, Prohibitions, and the Glory of Gayā)
प्रसातिकाः सनीवाराः श्यामाका द्विविधास् तथा वन्यौषधीप्रधानास् तु श्राद्धार्हाः पुरुषर्षभ
prasātikāḥ sanīvārāḥ śyāmākā dvividhās tathā vanyauṣadhīpradhānās tu śrāddhārhāḥ puruṣarṣabha
O pinakamahusay sa mga tao, ang mga butil na prasātikā, sanīvāra, at ang dalawang uri ng śyāmāka—kasama ang mga pagkaing pangunahing mula sa ligaw na halamang-gamot—ay itinuturing na angkop ihandog sa śrāddha para sa mga ninuno.
Sage Parāśara (in instruction to Maitreya)
FAQs
This verse codifies which simple, pure staples and wild-herb-based foods are acceptable for ancestral offerings, framing Śrāddha as a dharmic act that sustains social and ritual order.
He gives concrete categories—certain grains (prasātikā, sanīvāra, śyāmāka) and preparations dominated by forest herbs—indicating that suitability is based on scriptural approval and ritual appropriateness rather than luxury.
Though Vishnu is not named in the verse, the Purāṇa’s framework treats dharma—such as properly performed Śrāddha—as part of the divinely upheld cosmic order, ultimately rooted in Vishnu’s sovereignty.