Verse 17.12

Verse 17.12: “But that which is performed with an eye for the fruit, and also for the sake of ostentation, O Foremost of the Bharat (clan); that sacrifice understand as Rajas-dominated. (185)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Now, Oh the Best of the Warriors, a sacrifice of the same sort is also performed but it is like an invitation to attend a death anniversary given to a king, with the idea that the King’s visit to one’s home would be very useful, it would bring about celebrity, causing at the same time no detriment to the celebration of the anniversary. With such an idea in mind he (sacrificer) speculates that he would attain Heaven through the sacrifice, he would be honoured in the world as a pious man because he has received initiation (dīkṣita), and he would also have the sacrifice performed. Such a sacrifice, O Partha performed for the sake of fruit as also for securing importance is a Rajas-dominated sacrifice.