Chapter 1 • Verse 42
सङ्करो नरकायैव कुलघ्नानां कुलस्य च। पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः॥
saṅkaro narakāyaiva kula-ghnānāṁ kulasya cha patanti pitaro hy eṣhāṁ lupta-piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ
Meaning
Such social confusion leads to hell for the family destroyers and for the family. The ancestors fall, deprived of their offerings of food and water.
Arjuna fears ancestral consequences. Honoring ancestors is important, yet they would not want their descendants to abandon dharma out of misguided reverence for ritual.
Strength Reflection
"I honor my ancestors best by living with integrity and fulfilling my duties courageously."
Devotional Surrender
Lord, let me honor those who came before me by upholding the dharma they valued.