Shloka 44
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
अरण्ये वर्त्मनि वने क्षुधया तृषया हताः । भूतप्रेतपिशाचैश्च तेभ्यः पिण्डं ददाम्यहम् ॥ ४४ ॥
araṇye vartmani vane kṣudhayā tṛṣayā hatāḥ | bhūtapretapiśācaiśca tebhyaḥ piṇḍaṃ dadāmyaham || 44 ||
Con xin dâng piṇḍa (nắm cơm cúng tang) cho những người chết nơi hoang dã—trên đường và trong rừng—vì đói khát, và cho những người bị quấy nhiễu bởi bhūta, preta và piśāca.
Narada (in a ritual declaration of piṇḍa-dāna / śrāddha intention)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It universalizes śrāddha compassion: the offering is dedicated not only to known ancestors but also to neglected, suffering departed beings—especially those who died without support—so they may receive relief and a better onward passage.
By making a selfless offering for unseen beings, the devotee practices dayā (compassion) and seva as a form of dharmic bhakti—an act aligned with Vishnu-centered purity and welfare of all jīvas, not merely one’s own lineage.
It reflects kalpa (ritual procedure) through the śrāddha/ piṇḍa-dāna sankalpa style—explicitly naming recipient categories to ensure the rite’s intention (saṅkalpa) and fruit (phala) are properly directed.