Shloka 57
Babhruvāhana Meets a Preta: Vṛṣotsarga, Heirless Death, and the Signs of Preta-Affliction
वक्ष्यामि पीडास्ता राजन्या वै प्रेतकृता भुवि / ऋतुः स्यादफलः स्त्रीणां यदा वंशो न वर्धते
vakṣyāmi pīḍāstā rājanyā vai pretakṛtā bhuvi / ṛtuḥ syādaphalaḥ strīṇāṃ yadā vaṃśo na vardhate
Ich werde, o König, jene Leiden auf der Erde beschreiben, die durch Pretas verursacht werden. Wenn die Familienlinie nicht wächst, wird die fruchtbare Zeit der Frauen fruchtlos.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra, with the vocative 'O King')
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Preta-affliction manifests as obstacles to progeny and continuity; unseen karmic/ritual deficits show as worldly impediments.
Vedantic Theme: Adṛṣṭa karma expressing through prārabdha-like obstacles in saṃsāra; necessity of remedial action within dharma.
Application: If repeated infertility/miscarriage patterns occur, combine compassionate medical care with culturally appropriate family rites and ethical living; avoid blaming individuals.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: household/community
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.9.56: inference by signs; Garuda Purana 2.9.58: further afflictions (early death, livelihood loss, disrespect)
FAQs
This verse frames certain worldly sufferings as arising from preta influence, introducing a diagnostic lens used in the Preta Kanda to motivate proper rites and dharmic conduct.
It states that when the lineage does not grow, a sign can be that women’s ṛtu (fertile cycle) becomes ‘aphala’ (unfruitful), presented here as one expression of preta-kṛta disturbance.
Maintain dharmic living and, where one follows tradition, ensure respectful ancestral observances and family rites; also treat fertility concerns responsibly with ethical action and appropriate guidance.