Shloka 5
Ajāna Lineages, Divine Classes, Ṛṣi Catalogues, and the Merit of Śravaṇa-Smaraṇa
एवमाद्यश्च गन्धर्वाः शतसंख्याः खगेश्वर / अजानजसमा ज्ञेया मुक्तौ संसार एव च
evamādyaśca gandharvāḥ śatasaṃkhyāḥ khageśvara / ajānajasamā jñeyā muktau saṃsāra eva ca
So, o Herr der Vögel (Garuda), sind die uranfänglichen Gandharvas als nach Hunderten zu zählen zu verstehen; und man weiß, dass sie den Ajanajas vergleichbar sind — sowohl im Zustand der Befreiung als auch im weltlichen Dasein des Saṃsāra.
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Ontological classification of beings and the notion that certain classes are ‘comparable’ in both saṃsāra and mukti.
Vedantic Theme: Bhedābheda-style gradation within vyavahāra while acknowledging a mukti-state beyond ordinary hierarchy.
Application: Use as contemplative reflection on the relativity of status in saṃsāra and the distinct criterion of liberation; cultivate vairāgya toward celestial rank.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (cosmological/uttara-khaṇḍa style enumerations of gandharvas, apsarases, yakṣas, ṛṣis)
FAQs
This verse shows the Purana’s cosmological mapping—categorizing celestial beings and relating them to spiritual states (moksha and samsara), which helps readers understand the gradations of existence described in the text.
By stating that certain classes of beings are considered in relation to both liberation and worldly existence, it implies that spiritual status is not merely about a species or realm, but about one’s condition—bondage (saṃsāra) versus release (mukti).
Treat status and identity as secondary to spiritual practice: focus on conduct, devotion, and discernment aimed at freedom from samsara, rather than fascination with ranks of beings or worlds.