Garuda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 15

Prameha-Nidāna-Lakṣaṇa-Bheda: Etiology, Signs, Varieties, and Complications of Meha

Devanagari script

नवं धान्यं सुरासूपमांसेक्षुगुडगोरसम् / एकस्थानासनवति शयनं विनिवर्तनम्

Transliteration

navaṃ dhānyaṃ surāsūpamāṃsekṣuguḍagorasam / ekasthānāsanavati śayanaṃ vinivartanam

Translation

الحَبّ الحديث الحصاد، والخمر، والحساء، واللحم، وقصب السكر، والسُّكّر الخام (جاغري)، ولبن البقرة—ومعها لزوم الجلوس في موضع واحد، والاقتصار على مقعد واحد، وكبح (أو ترك) التمادي في لذّة النوم—كلّ ذلك ينبغي تركه أو ضبطه ضمن رياضةٍ منضبطة.

Word by Word

• नवम्: new
• नवम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: नव (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति (कर्म), एकवचन; विशेषण (Neuter, Accusative, Singular; adjective)

• धान्यम्: grain
• धान्यम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धान्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन (Neuter, Accusative, Singular)

• सुरा-सूप-मांस-इक्षु-गुड-गो-रसम्: liquor, soup, meat, sugarcane, jaggery, cow’s milk/juice (as a collective)
• सुरा-सूप-मांस-इक्षु-गुड-गो-रसम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सुरा (प्रातिपदिक) + सूप (प्रातिपदिक) + मांस (प्रातिपदिक) + इक्षु (प्रातिपदिक) + गुड (प्रातिपदिक) + गो (प्रातिपदिक) + रस (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समाहार-द्वन्द्व (Neuter, Accusative, Singular; collective dvandva)

• एक-स्थान-आसन-वति: in/with one fixed place and seat
• एक-स्थान-आसन-वति: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: एक (प्रातिपदिक) + स्थान (प्रातिपदिक) + आसन (प्रातिपदिक) + वत् (प्रत्यय)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग/नपुंसकलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-विभक्ति, एकवचन; विशेषण (Locative singular; adjective: 'having one place/seat')

• शयनम्: sleeping/bed
• शयनम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शयन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन (Neuter, Nom./Acc., Singular)

• विनिवर्तनम्: withdrawal/cessation/turning back
• विनिवर्तनम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: वि-नि-वृत् (धातु) → विनिवर्तन (प्रातिपदिक; भाव/कृदन्त-निर्मित)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; भाववाचक (Neuter, Nom./Acc., Singular; act of turning back/cessation)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in dialogue, instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Regulation of diet and habits to curb indulgence and stabilize body-mind for disciplined living.

Vedantic Theme: Sattva-shuddhi through niyama; reducing rajas/tamas supports clarity and steadiness.

Application: Temporarily avoid heavy/tempting foods and intoxicants; keep a stable routine; limit oversleeping; practice mindful eating and consistent seating/working posture during observances.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Ayurveda/ācāra sections): aahara-niyama and vrata-related restraints (contextual parallel)

Characters & Entities

• Vishnu
• Garuda

FAQs

What is the importance of dietary restraint in Garuda Purana death rituals?

This verse lists specific foods and indulgences to restrain/avoid, emphasizing purity and discipline as supportive conditions for śrāddha-related observance.

How does this verse connect to the Garuda Purana’s afterlife teaching?

By prescribing restraint and regulated living, it frames ritual conduct as dharmic preparation that supports proper rites for the departed and the ethical order that governs post-death outcomes.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

During periods of mourning or ritual observance, keep habits simple—avoid intoxicants and heavy indulgence, maintain steadiness in routine, and practice moderation in sleep and comforts.