Shloka 4
रक्तः शुक्लस्तथा रक्तः पीतः पीतः सितोसितः / कृष्णः कृष्णः क्रमाद्वर्णा द्रव्याणि मुनयस्ततः
raktaḥ śuklastathā raktaḥ pītaḥ pītaḥ sitositaḥ / kṛṣṇaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ kramādvarṇā dravyāṇi munayastataḥ
Red, white, again red; yellow, again yellow; pale-white; and black, again black—thus, in due sequence, the sages declare the colors of the ritual substances.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vainateya)
Concept: Correct sequencing and identification of ritual colors as taught by sages; fidelity to prescription in sacred action.
Vedantic Theme: Discipline (niyama) as a support for purity of mind; outer order mirroring inner steadiness.
Application: Follow prescribed color correspondences for offerings/cloths/pastes in graha rites; document and standardize materials to avoid ritual confusion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: ritual preparation context
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.101.3 (materials from which colors are derived)
FAQs
This verse indicates that ritual materials (dravyas) are traditionally distinguished by prescribed colors, implying orderly selection and correctness in rites as taught by the sages.
In the Ācāra-focused section, such classifications support proper performance of rites (including śrāddha-related observances) where correct materials are emphasized for ritual efficacy and purity.
When following traditional rites, consult competent priests or authentic manuals to ensure ritual items match prescribed standards—symbolic order and attentiveness are central to dharmic practice.