Shloka 13
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
प्रथमे ऽह्नि द्वितीये च तृतीये च तथा खग / आकाशस्थं पिबेद्दुग्धं प्रेतो वायुवपुर्धरः
prathame 'hni dvitīye ca tṛtīye ca tathā khaga / ākāśasthaṃ pibeddugdhaṃ preto vāyuvapurdharaḥ
O Vogel Garuḍa! Am ersten Tag, am zweiten und ebenso am dritten trinkt der Preta—der einen windgleichen, feinstofflichen Leib trägt—die Milch, die im offenen Raum dargebracht ist (Luftopfer).
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Days 1–3 after death
Concept: The preta with a vāyu-like subtle body is sustained through properly directed offerings in the immediate days after death.
Vedantic Theme: Sūkṣma-śarīra and post-mortem continuity under karma; dharma as compassionate duty toward the departed.
Application: Perform early-day post-death offerings with correct intention and placement, understanding the rite as support for the departed’s transitional state.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: ritual-space (aerial offering)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: early preta-nourishment through offerings (milk/water/piṇḍa) in the first days; Garuda Purana: descriptions of sūkṣma-śarīra and preta’s dependence on śrāddha/udaka
FAQs
This verse states that in the first three days the preta, having a subtle wind-like body, is sustained by drinking milk offered in the open space—indicating an early post-death rite meant to support the departed during the initial preta phase.
It describes the departed as a preta with a vāyuvapu (wind-like subtle body), implying a non-gross embodiment that receives sustenance through ritual offerings rather than ordinary physical food.
It encourages timely, sincere post-death observances (as per one’s tradition) and reminds the living to act with dharma and compassion, recognizing the vulnerability of the departed in the immediate after-death period.