Shloka 22
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
किं दत्तैर्बहुभिर्दानैः पितुरन्त्येष्टिमाचरेत् / अश्वमेधो महायज्ञः कलां नार्हति षोडशीम्
kiṃ dattairbahubhirdānaiḥ piturantyeṣṭimācaret / aśvamedho mahāyajñaḥ kalāṃ nārhati ṣoḍaśīm
Was nützen viele und vielfältige Gaben, wenn man die letzten Riten (antyeṣṭi) für den Vater nicht vollzieht? Selbst das große Opfer Aśvamedha erreicht nicht einmal ein Sechzehntel davon.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At death/immediately after death—antyeṣṭi context.
Concept: Antyeṣṭi (final rites) is paramount; without it, other dānas are of diminished value. Even Aśvamedha cannot match a fraction of its merit.
Vedantic Theme: Primacy of saṃskāra and right action at the liminal moment; dharma as ordering principle over mere accumulation of merit.
Application: Ensure proper last rites are performed according to tradition and capacity; do not substitute symbolic charity for essential responsibilities.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: funeral/cremation context (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa 2.30.19-21, 2.30.23 (context: son’s duty, dāna, and praise)
FAQs
This verse states that performing a father’s final rites is so essential that even abundant charity cannot substitute for it; antyeṣṭi is presented as a paramount dharmic duty.
By elevating antyeṣṭi above even major sacrifices, the verse implies that proper funeral rites support the departed’s transition and welfare, aligning the living’s duties with the soul’s post-death journey described in the Preta Kanda.
Prioritize performing appropriate last rites and śrāddha obligations for parents/elders according to one’s tradition and capacity; charity is beneficial, but it should not replace these core duties.