Which scripture is Devdutt Patnaik referring to when he says "Yagna is not a contract. Devata has no obligation"

Question

While explaining about Yagnas according to the Vedas, I have heard from elders that the Devata is bound by mantra (Devadhinam jagat Sarve mantraadhinam cha Devataa).

However, in an article on his website, Devdutt Patnaik says the following :

Yagna is not a contract. In a contract, there is give and take; there is obligation. Yagna is give in order to get. It is entirely voluntary. The devata has no obligation.

Which scripture is he quoting or referring to ?

Answer 1

Devdutt Patnaik (DP) gives his own explanation of Hinduism and Buddhism. He does not care about any scripture. For example, in the article quoted in the question he claims, 'Buddha focusses on the self'. That of course is obviously incorrect because Buddha says quite clearly in Majjhima Nikaya that his unique contribution to spirituality is the negation of the self. This is just one example of DP rejecting scripture.

Another example of DP's questionable assertion is the article posted below.

http://devdutt.com/articles/indian-mythology/buddhism/the-hermits-smile-how-celibacy-non-violence-and-purity-work-to-establish-patriarchy-in-india.html

He blames celibacy, non-violence and purity for patriarchy.

The answer to the question is that DP's claims are not always backed by any scripture.