Shloka 12
धेनुः शङ्खस्तथानड्वान्हेम वासो हयस्तथा / कृष्णा गौरायसं छाग एता वै दक्षिणाः क्रमात् / ग्रहाः पूज्याः सदा यस्माद्रज्यादि प्राप्यते फलम्
dhenuḥ śaṅkhastathānaḍvānhema vāso hayastathā / kṛṣṇā gaurāyasaṃ chāga etā vai dakṣiṇāḥ kramāt / grahāḥ pūjyāḥ sadā yasmādrajyādi prāpyate phalam
A cow, a conch, a bull, gold, garments, and a horse; likewise a black cow, a white cow, an iron object, and a goat—these are the dakṣiṇā (ritual gifts), in due order. The Grahas (planetary deities) should always be worshipped, for from that worship one obtains results such as sovereignty and other prosperities.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Dāna and pūjā directed to grahas yield specific phala (results), reflecting a ritual-causal worldview of karma and cosmic administration.
Vedantic Theme: Phala-bhoga within saṃsāra: worldly results arise from karma; higher aim is to use prosperity for dharma.
Application: Offer appropriate dakṣiṇā in prescribed order (cow, conch, bull, gold, garments, horse, black cow, white cow, iron, goat) and maintain regular graha-pūjā for stability and success.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: ritual arena/temple precinct
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.101.10–11 (offerings preceding dakṣiṇā)
FAQs
This verse states that the Grahas should be worshipped regularly because their worship yields tangible results—such as sovereignty and other forms of prosperity—especially when supported by proper dakṣiṇā (ritual gifts/charity).
Indirectly: it emphasizes dharmic ritual action (graha-pūjā and dakṣiṇā) as a means to shape one’s karmic outcomes and life circumstances, which in Garuda Purana’s broader teaching influences one’s post-death journey and welfare.
Perform planetary worship with ethical living and sincere charity—donations appropriate to one’s capacity (e.g., clothes, food, support to priests/temples or the needy)—as a disciplined way to cultivate merit and reduce obstacles.