Shloka 26
Bhāiṣajya-yoga
Remedial Formulas), Rakṣā-prayoga (Protections), and Adbhuta-kriyā (Wonder-Working Procedures
दन्तं डुण्डुभसर्पस्य मुखे संगृह्य वै क्षिपेत् / तिष्ठते च जलान्तस्तु निर्विकल्पं स्थले यथा
dantaṃ ḍuṇḍubhasarpasya mukhe saṃgṛhya vai kṣipet / tiṣṭhate ca jalāntastu nirvikalpaṃ sthale yathā
يأخذ سنًّا من حيّة «ḍuṇḍubha» ويضعه في فمه، ثم يمكنه أن يُلقي جسده في الماء؛ فيبقى في الماء ساكنًا غير متغيّر، كما لو كان على اليابسة.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Exploration of hidden properties (guṇa) of substances and their claimed effects on the body; mastery over fear and environment through specialized knowledge.
Vedantic Theme: Indirectly contrasts the mutable body with the aspiration for steadiness (sthiti); ‘unmoving like on land’ echoes the ideal of inner steadiness though applied here physically.
Application: Treat extraordinary claims with discernment; cultivate steadiness and breath-control safely (e.g., pranayama under guidance) rather than hazardous experiments.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: waterbody
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.184 (substance-based protective techniques; aquatic endurance motifs)
FAQs
This verse describes a specific ritualized method associated with placing a serpent’s tooth in the mouth before casting into water, emphasizing an intended effect: the body remains steady and unaltered in water, indicating controlled, rule-based handling of a corpse.
It fits the text’s broader śava-saṃskāra (corpse-rite) and post-death procedural guidance, where precise actions are said to produce definite physical outcomes, reinforcing the idea that death rites are technical and consequential.
Treat last rites as disciplined, tradition-governed actions: follow legitimate local dharma/śāstra guidance and qualified priests rather than improvising, and prioritize respectful, safe, and lawful handling of the deceased.