Shloka 54
The Procedure for Offering Piṇḍa (Funerary Rice-balls) — Gayā-māhātmya
पितृवंशे मृता ये च मातृवंशे च ये मृताः । गुरुश्वशुरबंधूनां ये चान्ये बांधवा मृताः ॥ ५४ ॥
pitṛvaṃśe mṛtā ye ca mātṛvaṃśe ca ye mṛtāḥ | guruśvaśurabaṃdhūnāṃ ye cānye bāṃdhavā mṛtāḥ || 54 ||
凡父系族中已逝者，凡母系族中已逝者；又师长（guru）亲族与岳父亲族中已故者，以及其他一切离世亲眷——皆当忆念，并为之奉献供养。
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It broadens the scope of Pitṛ-kārya by directing remembrance and offerings not only to one’s direct ancestors but also to maternal kin and other departed relations, emphasizing gratitude (ṛṇa) and continuity of lineage through dharmic rites.
While primarily a dharma-ritual instruction, it supports bhakti indirectly by teaching reverent remembrance and selfless duty; such disciplined observance purifies the mind and aligns household life with devotion-centered righteousness.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implied: the verse functions like a ritual eligibility list—who should be included in tarpaṇa/śrāddha sankalpa—helping the practitioner correctly frame offerings according to dharmic rules.