saṅkaro narakāyaiva kula-ghnānāṁ kulasya cha
patanti pitaro hy eṣhāṁ lupta-piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ
saṅkaraḥ — unwanted children;
narakāya — hellish;
eva — indeed;
kula-ghnānām — for those who destroy the family;
kulasya — of the family;
cha — also;
patanti — fall;
pitaraḥ — ancestors;
hi — verily;
eṣhām — their;
lupta — deprived of;
piṇḍodaka-kriyāḥ — performances of sacrificial offerings
This verse talks about the problems that arise when people disrupt the traditions that keep families and societies strong. When people disregard their family values and moral responsibilities, it can lead to negative consequences for everyone. For example, if someone in a community, like a leader or an elder, acts selfishly or unethically, it can inspire others to act in similarly harmful ways. This is what is meant by 'destroyers of family tradition.'
These 'destroyers' create a situation where important customs, rituals, and social duties are neglected. When families stop following their traditions, it creates disorder. Think about a family that no longer celebrates its traditions, like family gatherings or honoring their ancestors. Such a break results in a loss of identity and values. This could lead to kids growing up without a sense of belonging or understanding of their heritage.
Furthermore, when family traditions break down, the community suffers, too. Projects and activities that are meant to help people—like festivals, teachings, or aid for the needy—start disappearing because there’s no unity or sense of duty among people. Without these connections and practices, people forget their ultimate goal in life, which, in this context, is to reach a higher spiritual understanding or to find peace.
The verse warns that not only the families will suffer, but also the ancestors who have passed away—they won't receive the rituals or respect they traditionally deserve. In many cultures, it's believed that when a family neglects their duties to remember their ancestors, those ancestors fall into a state of sorrow. Therefore, the underlying message reinforces the importance of maintaining traditions, respecting family, and working together for the community's welfare—this is not just for the present, but for future generations, too.
In essence, this verse emphasizes that breaking down long-held family and societal traditions can lead to chaos and loss, affecting not just the present, but also the future of families and communities.