Shloka 16
Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas
with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas
न तारकोहं नरकाच्च सुभ्रूर्न वै भर्ता नापि पित्रादयश्च / न वै माता नानुजादिश्च सर्वः सर्वत्राता विष्णुरतो न चान्यः
na tārakohaṃ narakācca subhrūrna vai bhartā nāpi pitrādayaśca / na vai mātā nānujādiśca sarvaḥ sarvatrātā viṣṇurato na cānyaḥ
O du Schönbrauige, ich bin nicht der Befreier aus der Hölle; weder Ehefrau noch Ehemann, weder Väter noch andere Verwandte sind es. Weder Mutter noch jüngerer Bruder und die übrigen — niemand ist überall der Retter. Viṣṇu allein ist der universale Beschützer; es gibt keinen anderen.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra in the Garuda Purana dialogue frame)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Ananya-sharanagati: no relative can rescue from hell; Vishnu alone is sarva-trata (universal protector).
Vedantic Theme: Ishvara-sharanagati and the limitation of laukika-bandha; dependence on the Supreme rather than contingent relations.
Application: Cultivate exclusive reliance on Vishnu through daily prayer and remembrance, especially in fear of moral downfall; reduce attachment-based expectations from family as ultimate saviors.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: emphasis on Vishnu-nama as refuge and on the helplessness of kin at death (general theme)
FAQs
This verse states that no family relationship can ultimately rescue a being from naraka; only Vishnu is described as the universal protector, making divine refuge the decisive spiritual support.
It emphasizes that at critical post-death consequences (like falling into naraka), worldly relations cannot intervene; the soul’s protection is linked to reliance on Vishnu—i.e., one’s devotion and dharmic alignment rather than social ties.
Cultivate daily dharma and devotion (smरण/remembering Vishnu, ethical conduct, charity), and reduce over-dependence on worldly security by prioritizing spiritual practice as the true safeguard.