The Controversial Shraddha Teachings of Queen Madalasa

Markandeya Purana Chapter 32 Explained: The Controversial Shraddha Teachings of Queen Madalasa

Introduction

The Markandeya Purana is one of the prominent Puranic texts attributed to Rishi Markandeya. While it contains spiritual narratives, moral instructions, and philosophical reflections, it also includes passages that appear culturally influenced, time-bound, and inconsistent with the core teachings of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita. One such example appears in Chapter 32, where a queen named Madalasa describes various offerings said to satisfy the pitras (ancestral beings). These verses—rarely discussed and notably omitted in the Gitapress edition—raise important questions about the reliability and intent of many Puranic traditions.

The Shraddha Instructions of Queen Madalasa

In Chapter 32, Madalasa speaks to her son and describes what she believes pleases the pitras and what should be avoided. The list she provides is striking, unusual, and often contradictory to mainstream spiritual thought.

Offerings and the Duration of “Satisfaction” of Pitras

According to Madalasa’s statements:

• Ghee and rice satisfy pitras for one month
• Fish satisfies them for two months
• Deer meat for three months
• Hare meat for four months
• Bird’s flesh for five months
• Hog’s flesh for six months
• Goat meat for seven months
• Flesh of a black antelope for eight months
• Flesh of the ruru deer for nine months
• Flesh of the gavya deer for ten months
• Sheep’s flesh for eleven months
• Cow’s milk or milk-based products satisfy them for one full year

She further claims that the following give “endless satisfaction” to the pitras:

• Rhinoceros flesh
• Flesh of the red goat
• Dark tulsi plant
• Honey
• Soma juice
• Turmeric
• Shraddha performed at Gaya

The original Sanskrit and Hindi texts, available in editions published by sources other than Gitapress Gorakhpur, include all these details.

Why Gitapress Omitted These Verses

The popular Gitapress Gorakhpur publication of Markandeya Purana completely omits these verses. This exclusion appears intentional.

Possible reasons include:

• These prescriptions contradict the ethical and spiritual image Gitapress promotes.
• The references to meat offerings conflict with their ideological stance.
• The content is clearly influenced by regional customs rather than divine revelation.

However, the omission does not erase their presence in older and more complete manuscripts.

These Teachings Reflect Madalasa’s Personal Views, Not Divine Instruction

A crucial detail often misunderstood: These verses are spoken by Queen Madalasa, not by God or any divinely empowered sage.

Thus:

• They reflect her own ideas, culture, and assumptions.
• They cannot be considered universal spiritual truths.
• They lack scriptural authority when compared with the Vedas or Bhagavad Gita.

This is precisely why, in the traditional hierarchy of texts, the Puranas are considered:

• Smriti (remembered, human-authored)
• Lower in authority than the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita (Shruti or direct divine knowledge)

Why Puranas Must Be Read With Prudence

The presence of such peculiar instructions highlights an important principle:

Not every statement in the Puranas is doctrinal truth. Some are cultural insertions, personal perspectives, or narrative embellishments.

This is why spiritual teachers throughout history have emphasized:

• Discernment
• Cross-referencing with Vedic knowledge
• A reliance on divinely spoken scriptures over human interpretations

The Markandeya Purana chapter discussed here serves as a powerful reminder that Puranic passages must be studied with wisdom, not blind acceptance.

Conclusion

Markandeya Purana Chapter 32 offers a unique but controversial look into the Shraddha beliefs of certain ancient circles, expressed through the voice of Queen Madalasa. While historically interesting, these verses:

• Are not divine instruction
• Are not consistent with higher scriptures
• Are filtered through human culture and limitations

Their partial omission by Gitapress reinforces the fact that even translators exercise judgment in presenting Puranic material.

For seekers pursuing authentic spiritual knowledge, the guidance remains clear: Use prudence when reading Puranas, and rely primarily on the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and the teachings of a true saint who can reveal the Supreme God’s actual path.