Chapter 17 • Verse 13
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम्। श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते॥
vidhi-hīnam asṛiṣhṭānnaṁ mantra-hīnam adakṣhiṇam śhraddhā-virahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ parichakṣhate
Meaning
Sacrifice performed without regard to scriptural injunctions, without distribution of food, without mantras, without gifts to priests, and without faith — that is declared to be tamasic.
Tamasic worship ignores proper guidelines, offers no sharing of food, lacks sacred sounds, gives no donation, and has no faith. It's worship in form only — empty, mechanical, meaningless ritual.
Strength Reflection
"I ensure my worship has proper form, content, and sincere faith."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, let my worship be complete — proper, generous, and faith-filled.