Shloka 27
The Extent of Questions: Deathbed Rites, Kāla (Time), and Karma-Vipāka Rebirths
मृत्युकाले क्षिपेद्दर्भान्करयोरातुरस्य च / दर्भैस्तु क्षिप्यते यो ऽसौ दर्भैस्तु परिवेष्टितः
mṛtyukāle kṣipeddarbhānkarayorāturasya ca / darbhaistu kṣipyate yo 'sau darbhaistu pariveṣṭitaḥ
عند وقت الموت، تُوضَعُ عُشبةُ الدَّربها في يدي المحتضر. حقًّا إن الراحل يُهتدى ويُصان بالدَّربها—يُوضَع معها وكأنّه مُحاطٌ بها.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At mṛtyu-kāla (time of death) as part of immediate protective observances preceding formal post-death rites.
Concept: At death, placing darbha in the hands of the departing is a dharmic protective act, symbolically encircling and guiding the jīva.
Vedantic Theme: Upāya at the saṃkramaṇa (transition) moment; external supports steady the mind and ritual order, aiding auspicious gati.
Application: Place clean darbha/kuśa in the dying person’s hands with reverence; maintain a quiet, sattvic atmosphere and continuity of care.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: liminal domestic space
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: kuśa/darbha as pavitra in antyeṣṭi and śrāddha settings; Garuda Purana: protective measures for the preta’s safe passage
FAQs
This verse instructs placing darbha in the dying person’s hands, presenting it as a ritual support that symbolically guards and steadies the departing individual at death.
While not detailing the full journey here, it emphasizes correct death-time observance: the dying person is ritually ‘accompanied’ and ‘encircled’ by darbha, implying protective auspiciousness at the threshold of departure.
If following traditional rites, ensure deathbed observances are calm and dharmic; darbha may be used as prescribed by family tradition or priestly guidance, with the broader takeaway being mindful, reverent support for the dying.