Shloka 65
Explanation of the Sapiṇḍana Rite; Causes of Pretahood; Viṣṇu Worship and Preta-ghaṭa Dāna
श्राद्धेन परदत्तेन गतः प्रेतो ऽपि सद्गतिम् / किं पुनः पुत्रदत्तेन पिता यातीति चात्भुतम्
śrāddhena paradattena gataḥ preto 'pi sadgatim / kiṃ punaḥ putradattena pitā yātīti cātbhutam
Selbst durch ein von einem anderen vollzogenes und dargebrachtes Śrāddha erlangt der Preta eine gute Bestimmung (sadgati); wie viel wunderbarer ist es erst, wenn es der eigene Sohn darbringt: Dann gelangt der Vater gewiss in jenen heilsamen Zustand.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Śrāddha occasion (general; not date-specific in verse)
Concept: Śrāddha has real efficacy for the departed; offerings by others can help, but offerings by one’s own son are especially powerful—affirming putra-dharma.
Vedantic Theme: Interdependence of beings through karma and saṃskāra; compassionate transfer of merit within dharmic order.
Application: Do śrāddha for ancestors with sincerity; if no son/kin is available, community or well-wishers may perform, yet family performance is emphasized.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa/Śrāddha sections emphasizing śrāddha-phala and putra’s role (contextual)
FAQs
This verse states that Śrāddha has the power to uplift even a preta to sadgati, showing the rite’s direct spiritual efficacy for the departed.
It implies that during the preta phase, supportive rites like Śrāddha can change the departed being’s trajectory toward a better post-death destination (sadgati).
Perform Śrāddha and related pitṛ-karmas with care—especially by the family/son when applicable—while also supporting legitimate proxy performance when necessary.