Mahabharata Anushasana Parva – यदा शराद्धं पितृभ्यश च दतुम इच्छेत मानवः

Shloka (श्लोक)

यदा शराद्धं पितृभ्यश च दतुम इच्छेत मानवः
तदा पश्चात परकुर्वीत निवृत्ते शराद्धकर्मणि

⚡ Quick Meaning

When a person wishes to perform a ritual for their ancestors, they should conduct the ritual only after the main offerings have been completed.

Translations

English Translation

This verse instructs that if an individual intends to offer a ritual (śrāddha) for their ancestors, it should be done only after fulfilling the primary duties. This ensures the proper order of rituals and respects the significance of ancestral veneration.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक निर्देशित करता है कि यदि कोई व्यक्ति अपने पूर्वजों के लिए श्राद्ध कर्म करना चाहता है, तो उसे यह प्रमुख अनुष्ठानों के बाद ही करना चाहिए। यह अनुष्ठानों के उचित क्रम को सुनिश्चित करता है और पूर्वजों के प्रति सम्मान को बनाए रखता है।

Commentary

Context

This shloka also belongs to the Anushasana Parva, which emphasizes the rituals intended to honor ancestors after fulfilling obligatory duties.

Meaning

It teaches us about the significance of respecting the hierarchy of rituals and the importance of timing in spiritual practices.

Application

This principle can be applied in modern contexts as well, reminding us to prioritize responsibilities before performing personal or familial rituals.