Shloka 67

Jñāna-hetu-nirūpaṇa

On the Causes/Means of Knowledge

Devanagari script

पितृमातृद्विजातीनां हरिरूपत्वचिन्तनम् / अस्वतन्त्रेण रुद्रेण हरेरैक्यदिचिन्तनम्

Transliteration

pitṛmātṛdvijātīnāṃ harirūpatvacintanam / asvatantreṇa rudreṇa hareraikyadicintanam

Translation

Man betrachte Vater, Mutter und die Zweimalgeborenen (dvija) als Verkörperungen Haris; und man betrachte auch die Einheit Haris mit Rudra, der nicht unabhängig ist (sondern unter Ihm wirkt).

Word by Word

• pitṛ-mātṛ-dvijātīnām: of fathers, mothers, and the twice-born
• pitṛ-mātṛ-dvijātīnām: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive)
• Type: Noun
• Root: pitṛ + mātṛ + dvijāti (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Genitive (6th/षष्ठी), Plural; dvandva ‘of fathers, mothers, and twice-born’

• hari-rūpatva-cintanam: thinking that they are of Hari’s nature/form
• hari-rūpatva-cintanam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: hari + rūpatva + cintana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular; ‘thinking/meditation’

• a-svatantrena: by the non-independent
• a-svatantrena: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: a + svatantra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular; negative prefix a-; qualifying rudreṇa; ‘by the non-independent’

• rudreṇa: by Rudra
• rudreṇa: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: rudra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular

• hareḥ: of Hari
• hareḥ: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive)
• Type: Noun
• Root: hari (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Genitive (6th/षष्ठी), Singular

• aikya-ādi-cintanam: contemplation of identity (with Hari) and the like
• aikya-ādi-cintanam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: aikya + ādi + cintana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular; ‘thinking of identity etc.’

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Two contemplations: (1) parents and dvija are to be regarded as Hari’s embodiments (a devotional-ethical lens for service and respect); (2) Rudra is not independent—contemplate Hari’s unity/overlordship with respect to Rudra, reducing sectarian conflict.

Vedantic Theme: Īśvara as the inner Self in all; functional hierarchy among deities under the Supreme; unity-in-difference (bhedābheda-friendly reading).

Application: Practice ‘Hari-darśana’ in parents/teachers; cultivate respectful interfaith/sectarian dialogue by framing differences within a larger unity and dependence on the Supreme.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.12.65 (Rāma’s liṅga-sthāpana; inter-deity reverence); Garuda Purana 3.12.63 (seeing inner Lord beyond outer identity)

Characters & Entities

• Hari (Vishnu)
• Rudra (Shiva)
• Pitris/Parents
• Dvijas (twice-born)

FAQs

What is the importance of seeing parents and dvijas as Hari in the Garuda Purana?

This verse frames reverence toward parents and the twice-born as a direct devotional practice—training the mind to perceive the divine (Hari) through dharmic relationships and worthy persons.

How does this verse explain Vishnu–Rudra relationship?

It teaches contemplation of their unity while emphasizing Rudra’s dependence—Rudra acts not as an autonomous supreme, but in alignment with Hari’s sovereignty.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Cultivate respectful service to parents and learned, ethical elders, and avoid sectarian hostility—practice devotion by seeing divine order in righteous roles and responsibilities.