Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 19
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
त्रिरात्रे च ततः पूर्णे नदीं गच्छेत् समुद्रगाम् / प्राणायामशतं कृत्वा घृतं प्राश्य विशुध्यति
trirātre ca tataḥ pūrṇe nadīṃ gacchet samudragām / prāṇāyāmaśataṃ kṛtvā ghṛtaṃ prāśya viśudhyati
إذا اكتملت ثلاث ليالٍ، فليذهب إلى نهرٍ يصبّ في البحر؛ وبعد أن يؤدي مئة مرة من ضبط النفس (برانايا ما)، ثم يرتشف السمن المصفّى (غي)، يتطهّر.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: After completion of three nights of aśauca
Concept: Śuddhi after aśauca is effected by tīrtha-contact plus disciplined prāṇāyāma and ritual ingestion (ghṛta-prāśana).
Vedantic Theme: Inner and outer purification: prāṇa-niyama supports sattva; ritual acts align the individual with cosmic order (ṛta/dharma).
Application: After the three-night period, bathe/approach a tīrtha, perform a set count of prāṇāyāmas, then take ghṛta as prescribed by one’s tradition/ācārya.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: river/ghāṭa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: purification procedures following aśauca (contextual around 2.34)
FAQs
This verse prescribes a timed śuddhi (purification) practice—after three nights—linking bodily discipline (prāṇāyāma), sacred waters (a sea-flowing river), and sattvic intake (ghee) as a means to restore ritual purity for subsequent rites.
In the Preta Kanda context, purification supports the correctness and efficacy of rites performed for the departed; the living performer’s śuddhi is treated as essential for dharmic observances that aid orderly transition and merit.
Maintain purity and discipline before performing ancestral or memorial rites: practice measured breathwork, follow a sattvic regimen, and, where appropriate, use traditional cleansing acts (like bathing in a sacred river) with mindful intent.