Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 43
Āyuḥ-kṣaya by Vikarma; Impermanence of the Body; Aśauca and Child Śrāddha Procedures; Dāna as Remedy
पुनर्जन्माप्नुयान्मर्त्यस्तस्माद्देयमृते शिशोः / पुराणे गीयते गाथा सर्वथा प्रतिभाति मे
punarjanmāpnuyānmartyastasmāddeyamṛte śiśoḥ / purāṇe gīyate gāthā sarvathā pratibhāti me
قد ينالُ الإنسانُ الفاني ولادةً أخرى؛ لذلك ينبغي أن تُعطى القُربانُ المقرَّر بعد الموت—إلا في شأن الطفل. وفي البورانا تُنشَدُ غاثا موروثة؛ وهي عندي باديةٌ على التمام.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Post-death period as prescribed (immediately after death and subsequent days per tradition), with exception for a child
Concept: Post-death giving/offerings are obligatory to support proper transition and to address rebirth-related concerns; dharma includes exceptions (e.g., for a child).
Vedantic Theme: Ritual action as a supportive means within saṃsāra-management; ultimately points beyond ritual to the deeper aim of release, but here emphasizes correct observance.
Application: Follow prescribed bereavement protocols and offerings for the departed; consult tradition/competent guidance for age-based exceptions and local śākhā customs.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha and antyeṣṭi-related instructions, including eligibility/exception rules; Garuda Purana narratives (‘gāthā’) used to authorize ritual norms
FAQs
The verse states that because beings can enter rebirth, the prescribed offering/rite should be performed to support the departed’s transition—treating it as a dharmic obligation rather than an optional act.
It links the human condition to recurring birth (punarjanma) and implies that proper rites (deyam) are part of the post-death framework described in the Purāṇa, guiding the departed through the intermediate state toward an appropriate next destiny.
Follow one’s tradition’s prescribed funeral and śrāddha-related duties with sincerity and clarity, while noting the stated exception regarding a child—seeking guidance from competent family elders or a learned priest for the correct procedure.