Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 42

English Translation

And the intermingling in the family leads the ruiners of the family verily into hell. The forefathers of these fall down (into hell) because of being deprived of the offerings of rice-balls and water.

Detailed Commentary

।।1.42।। Explanation: 'सङ्करो नरकायैव कुलघ्नानां कुलस्य च' -- Offspring born of *Varṇa-sankara* (intermixture of *Varṇas*) lack religious intellect (*dhārmika buddhi*). They do not adhere to *maryādā* (established norms), for they are born outside such bounds. For this reason, they possess no *Kula-dharma* (family traditions/duties), and thus do not follow them; rather, they act contrary to *Kula-dharma* and *maryādā*. Those who destroy their lineage (*kula*) in battle are called *Kulaghātī* (destroyers of the family). *Varṇa-sankara* leads such *Kulaghātīs* to *Naraka* (hell). Not only the *Kulaghātīs*, but with the destruction of the *kula* tradition (*kula-paramparā*), it also leads the entire *kula* to *Naraka*. 'पतन्ति पितरो ह्येषां लुप्तपिण्डोदकक्रियाः' -- Due to *Varṇa-sankara*, the ancestors (*pitṛs*) of these *Kulaghātīs*—those who have destroyed their lineage—fall, because they no longer receive *piṇḍa* (rice balls) and water (*śrāddha* and *tarpaṇa* offerings). The reason is that when *pitṛs* continuously receive *piṇḍa* and water, they reside in higher realms (*lokas*) by the power of that merit (*puṇya*). However, when they cease to receive *piṇḍa* and water, they fall from those realms; that is, their position in those *lokas* is no longer maintained. The reason for *pitṛs* not receiving *piṇḍa* and water is that the *Varṇa-sankara* offspring lack a sense of reverence (*ādar-buddhi*) towards their ancestors. Therefore, they have no inclination to perform *śrāddha* and *tarpaṇa* for the *pitṛs*. Even if they perform *śrāddha* and *tarpaṇa* out of social obligation (*loka-lihāja*), due to their lack of entitlement (*adhikāra*) to perform *śrāddha* and *tarpaṇa* according to scriptural injunctions (*śāstra-vidhi*), that *piṇḍa* and water simply do not reach the *pitṛs*. Thus, when *pitṛs* do not receive *piṇḍa*-water with reverence and according to scriptural injunctions, they fall from their abode.