Self-important, rigid, drunk on the pride of wealth — Krishna paints a portrait that is painfully recognizable. These people think too highly of themselves (atmasambhavitah) and carry a stiffness (stabdhah) that prevents them from bowing before anyone. Wealth has gone to their heads like strong wine.
They do perform yajnas — but only in name. The rituals look grand from the outside. The fire is lit, the mantras are chanted, the guests are invited. But the inner ingredients are missing: sincerity, humility, proper procedure. It is all dambha — show. A feast with empty plates.
Avidhipurvakam — without following the prescribed method. Even the mechanics are wrong, let alone the spirit. When someone builds a house ignoring the blueprint, the structure may look impressive for a while, but it will not stand. Religious practice without proper method and genuine devotion is the same — impressive on the surface, hollow underneath.