Shloka 38
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
अस्मत्कुले मृता ये च गतियषां न विद्यते । तेषामुद्धरणार्थाय इमं पिण्डंददाम्यहम् ॥ ३८ ॥
asmatkule mṛtā ye ca gatiyaṣāṃ na vidyate | teṣāmuddharaṇārthāya imaṃ piṇḍaṃdadāmyaham || 38 ||
为我族中已逝而无正当归途、无所依怙者，我奉献此一供团（piṇḍa），愿其得以超度解脱。
Ritual performer (Śrāddha-kartṛ; the householder speaking the śrāddha-saṅkalpa/utterance as presented in the Narada Purana narrative frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It states the intent (saṅkalpa-bhāva) behind piṇḍadāna: the offering is made specifically to uplift departed relatives of one’s lineage who lack proper support or onward passage, affirming śrāddha as an act of dharma and compassion.
While primarily ritual-dharma, it reflects bhakti through selfless offering and responsibility toward one’s ancestors; such acts, when performed with reverence and dedication, align one’s life with sacred duty and devotion-driven purity.
It highlights ritual application (Kalpa/Śrauta–Smārta prayoga) through the correct intention-statement for piṇḍadāna; the verse functions like a liturgical formula used during śrāddha rites.