Shloka 6
The Explanation of the Post-funeral Rites (Aurdhvadehika) and Related Matters
इत्येते पुरुषाः ख्याताः पितृमातृकुलेषु च / तारयेद्यजमानस्तु दश पूर्वान् दशावरान्
ityete puruṣāḥ khyātāḥ pitṛmātṛkuleṣu ca / tārayedyajamānastu daśa pūrvān daśāvarān
So sind diese Personen sowohl im väterlichen wie im mütterlichen Geschlecht bekannt; und der yajamāna, der den Ritus vollzieht, erlöst zehn Ahnen vor ihm und zehn Nachkommen nach ihm.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: As the stated phala-śruti/conclusion of the śrāddha procedure after correct participant/lineage arrangement.
Concept: By properly recognizing the relevant persons in both paternal and maternal lineages, the yajamāna ‘delivers’ (tārayet) ten ancestors and ten descendants—ritual merit radiates across generations.
Vedantic Theme: Karma’s subtle reach (adṛṣṭa-phala) and the interdependence of beings; dharmic action as a means of welfare (abhyudaya) for the lineage.
Application: Perform śrāddha with correct lineage inclusion (both sides) and procedural integrity, holding the intention of benefiting family continuity and honoring obligations.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: ritual lineage framework (paternal and maternal clans)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha passages on tāraṇa (upliftment) of ancestors/descendants through offerings and proper adhikāra (contextual)
FAQs
This verse teaches that properly performed rites by the yajamāna are believed to uplift not only the immediate departed but also extend benefit across both paternal and maternal lineages, emphasizing ancestral responsibility as dharma.
By stating “tārayet” (to cause to cross), the verse frames post-death rites as supportive acts that aid the departed and lineage in moving beyond difficult post-mortem states toward better realms, a central theme of the Preta Kanda.
Maintain regular ancestral observances (such as śrāddha according to one’s tradition), live ethically as a support to family lineage, and treat both maternal and paternal ancestors as equally worthy of remembrance and offerings.