
17
CHAPTER
VERSE
13
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् |
श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते || 17.13 ||
Vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṁ mantrahīnamadakṣiṇam |
Śraddhāvirahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ paricakṣate ||
That sacrifice which is without following the scriptural injunctions, without the distribution of prasada (food offered to the deity), without chanting of Vedic hymns, without giving of dakshina (charity), and performed without faith—is considered to be in the mode of ignorance.
Lesson:
A yajna (sacrifice) that lacks adherence to scriptural injunctions, distribution of prasada (sacred food), chanting of Vedic hymns, offering of dakshina (charity), and most importantly, faith, such a sacrifice, devoid of these essential elements, is deemed to be in the mode of ignorance. Krishna emphasizes on the importance of performing rituals and sacrifices in accordance with the guidelines prescribed in the scriptures (vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṁ). Scriptural injunctions serve as the foundation for righteous conduct and spiritual growth, ensuring that rituals are performed with sincerity and devotion.
Additionally, Krishna highlights the significance of prasada, the sanctified food offered to the deity during rituals. The distribution of prasada symbolizes the sharing of divine blessings and fosters a sense of community and unity among participants.
Furthermore, chanting of Vedic hymns (mantras) plays a vital role in invoking divine presence and sanctifying the ritualistic proceedings. Mantras serve as potent vehicles for spiritual elevation and purification, aligning the consciousness of the participants with higher realms of consciousness.
Krishna also mentions the importance of dakshina, the offering of charity or donation, as an integral aspect of sacrificial ceremonies. Dakshina symbolizes gratitude towards the divine and supports the maintenance of the sacrificial tradition, ensuring its continuity and prosperity.
Most importantly, Krishna underscores the significance of faith (shraddha) in the performance of sacrifices. Faith infuses rituals with sincerity, devotion, and spiritual fervor, transforming them into potent means for spiritual upliftment and inner transformation.
In essence, this verse elucidates the criteria for evaluating the efficacy of sacrificial ceremonies. Sacrifices devoid of scriptural adherence, prasada distribution, chanting of mantras, offering of charity, and faith are considered to be in the mode of ignorance, lacking spiritual potency and efficacy.
Krishna's teachings in this verse emphasize the importance of performing rituals with reverence, devotion, and adherence to scriptural injunctions. By incorporating these essential elements, individuals can uplift their consciousness, cultivate spiritual virtues, and progress on the path of self-realization and divine communion.