Shloka 21

Praise of Vṛṣotsarga (Bull-release), Worthy Dāna, and the Procedure for Kṣayāha & Ūrdhva-daihika Rites

Devanagari script

जपहोमैस्तथा दानैः कुर्याद्दहेस्य शोधनम् / पुण्ये ऽभिजित्सुनक्षत्रे ग्रहान्देवान्समर्चयेत्

Transliteration

japahomaistathā dānaiḥ kuryāddahesya śodhanam / puṇye 'bhijitsunakṣatre grahāndevānsamarcayet

Translation

Durch Japa (Mantra-Rezitation), Homa (Feueropfer) und Dāna (Gaben) soll die mit dem Verbrennungsritus verbundene Reinigung vollzogen werden; und zu einer günstigen Zeit—wenn Abhijit und das Nakṣatra der Sonne vorherrschen—soll man die Grahas und die Devas ordnungsgemäß verehren.

Word by Word

• japa-homaiḥ: by recitations and fire-offerings
• japa-homaiḥ: Karana (Instrument/करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: japa + homa (प्रातिपदिक); समासः: japa-homa
• Form: द्वन्द्व-समासः (जपश्च होमश्च); पुंलिङ्गे, तृतीया-विभक्तिः (3rd/तृतीया), बहुवचनम्

• tathā: also
• tathā: Sambandha (Connector/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tathā (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्ययम्; समुच्चय/अनुक्रमार्थक-अव्ययम् (likewise/also)

• dānaiḥ: by gifts/charity
• dānaiḥ: Karana (Instrument/करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dāna (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्गे, तृतीया-विभक्तिः, बहुवचनम्

• kuryāt: should do/perform
• kuryāt: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: kṛ (कृ धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), परस्मैपदम्, प्रथमपुरुषः (3rd), एकवचनम्

• daheśya: of the Daheśa (name/title)
• daheśya: Sambandha (Genitive/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: daheśa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्गे, षष्ठी-विभक्तिः (6th/षष्ठी), एकवचनम्

• śodhanam: purification
• śodhanam: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śodhana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्गे, द्वितीया-विभक्तिः, एकवचनम्

• puṇye: on an auspicious (time)
• puṇye: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: puṇya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्गे, सप्तमी-विभक्तिः, एकवचनम्; विशेषणम्

• abhijit-sunakṣatre: in the auspicious Abhijit nakshatra
• abhijit-sunakṣatre: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: abhijit + su-nakṣatra (प्रातिपदिक); समासः: abhijit-sunakṣatra
• Form: कर्मधारय-समासः (‘abhijit’ इति ‘su-nakṣatram’); नपुंसकलिङ्गे, सप्तमी-विभक्तिः, एकवचनम्

• grahān: the ग्रहas (planets)
• grahān: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: graha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्गे, द्वितीया-विभक्तिः, बहुवचनम्

• devān: the gods
• devān: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: deva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्गे, द्वितीया-विभक्तिः, बहुवचनम्

• samarcayet: should worship duly
• samarcayet: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: sam-arc (अर्च् धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), परस्मैपदम्, प्रथमपुरुषः, एकवचनम्

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Shraddha Ritual

Beneficiary: Pitr

Timing: puṇye abhijit-sūrya-nakṣatra-yoge (auspicious Abhijit and solar nakṣatra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Saṃskāra-śuddhi is strengthened by mantra (japa), oblation (homa), and generosity (dāna), performed at auspicious stellar configurations and supported by deva/graha worship.

Vedantic Theme: Karmic purification and saṃskāra as preparatory means; harmonizing microcosmic duty with macrocosmic ṛta.

Application: Combine inner discipline (japa), ritual action (homa), and ethical giving (dāna); select auspicious timing and include graha/devatā propitiation when prescribed.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: cremation-rite setting/ritual enclosure

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.14 (sequence: śuddhi → homa → devatā/graha worship → śrāddha)

Characters & Entities

• Grahas
• Devas
• Surya

FAQs

What is the importance of japa, homa, and dāna in Garuda Purana death rituals?

This verse presents japa (recitation), homa (oblations), and dāna (charity) as key means to “purify” the rites connected with cremation, aligning the act with dharma and merit for the departed.

How does this verse explain what should be done around the time of cremation (antyeṣṭi)?

It advises performing a śodhana (purificatory observance) through japa-homa-dāna and additionally recommends worship of grahas and devas at an auspicious time, indicating ritual correctness and cosmic harmony as part of the process.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

If performing last rites, prioritize sincere prayer/recitation, a simple homa if customary, and meaningful charity; choose an auspicious time as per tradition and offer respectful prayers for peace—without losing sight of compassion and duty.