Shloka 75

Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules

Devanagari script

ताम्बूलकुङ्कुमक्षोदकर्पूरागुरुचन्दनम् / दीपिकोपानहच्छत्रचामरासनभाजनम्

Transliteration

tāmbūlakuṅkumakṣodakarpūrāgurucandanam / dīpikopānahacchatracāmarāsanabhājanam

Translation

Gaben: Tāmbūla (Betelblätter), Safran (Kuṅkuma), Moschus, Kampfer, duftendes Aguru‑Holz (Aloë) und Sandelholz; ferner eine Lampe, Schuhwerk, ein Schirm, ein Yakschwanz‑Fächer (Cāmara), ein Sitz und Gefäße—dies sind die Dinge, die als rituelle Opfergaben für den Verstorbenen zu geben sind.

Word by Word

• tāmbūlam: betel (leaf/chew)
• tāmbūlam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tāmbūla (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd), Singular; item in list

• kuṅkumam: saffron/vermilion
• kuṅkumam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kuṅkuma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• kṣodam: powder
• kṣodam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kṣoda (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative, Singular; ‘powder’

• karpūram: camphor
• karpūram: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: karpūra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• aguru: aloeswood
• aguru: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: aguru (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• candanam: sandalwood
• candanam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: candana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• dīpikā: lamp
• dīpikā: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dīpikā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine, Accusative, Singular; ‘lamp’

• upānahaḥ: footwear
• upānahaḥ: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: upānaha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine, Accusative, Singular; ‘shoe/sandal’

• chatram: umbrella
• chatram: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: chatra (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• cāmaram: chowrie fan
• cāmaram: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: cāmara (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular; yak-tail fan

• āsanam: seat
• āsanam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: āsana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• bhājanam: vessel
• bhājanam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: bhājana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular; vessel

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Shraddha Ritual

Ritual Type: Ekoddishta

Beneficiary: Pitr

Timing: As accessory offerings accompanying śayyā-dāna/śrāddha gifting

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Dāna in śrāddha is not merely symbolic; it is framed as compassionate provision—fragrance, light, protection, and basic utilities—for the departed’s welfare.

Vedantic Theme: Dharma as compassionate action (dayā) that purifies the giver and supports the subtle journey of the departed under cosmic order.

Application: Give within means: items that signify comfort (light, shelter, footwear) and purity (fragrant substances); keep offerings clean and respectfully presented.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: shringara

Geographic Context

Type: ritual-space (dāna/śrāddha setting)

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.34: enumerations of śayyā-dāna accessories; Garuda Purana śrāddha sections: dīpa/dāna and upakaraṇa lists (general)

Characters & Entities

• Garuda
• Preta
• Pitris

FAQs

What is the importance of offering items like lamp, footwear, and umbrella in the Garuda Purana?

This verse lists practical ritual gifts (dāna) meant to provide symbolic comfort and support to the departed during the preta-stage, reflecting the Garuda Purana’s emphasis on śrāddha offerings.

How does this verse relate to the soul’s journey after death in the Preta Kanda?

In the Preta Kanda context, such offerings are described as aids for the departed’s transitional state, aligning ritual charity with the welfare of the preta as it proceeds along Yama’s path.

What is a practical application of this teaching today?

Perform śrāddha with sincerity and include charitable giving—especially useful items and light (lamp)—as a way to honor ancestors and cultivate dharma through generosity.