Shloka 9
कृच्छ्राच्छयानः श्वसिति निषण्णः स्वास्थ्यमर्हति / उच्छ्रिताक्षो ललाटेन स्विद्यता भृशमार्तिमान्
kṛcchrācchayānaḥ śvasiti niṣaṇṇaḥ svāsthyamarhati / ucchritākṣo lalāṭena svidyatā bhṛśamārtimān
Lying down, he breathes only with great difficulty; even when seated he does not regain ease. With eyes turned upward and sweat beading on the forehead, he suffers intense agony.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Severity markers of respiratory distress: orthopnea-like difficulty, lack of comfort even seated, ocular and sweating signs of acute suffering.
Vedantic Theme: Duḥkha-darśana (clear seeing of suffering) as a spur to mumukṣutva.
Application: Treat as a red-flag state; ensure support, warmth, and immediate care; use the experience to cultivate compassion and non-attachment.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.150.8-12 (progression of śvāsa symptoms)
FAQs
This verse lists observable symptoms—labored breathing, lack of relief even when seated, upward-turned eyes, and forehead sweat—used to indicate intense end-of-life distress, prompting timely spiritual and ritual support.
It depicts the bodily crisis at the threshold of departure, a stage the Purana treats as crucial because the condition of the dying person influences the transition into the preta state and the need for proper rites and guidance.
Use it as a reminder to provide calm presence, prayer/recitation, and appropriate last rites preparation when severe breathing distress and agitation appear, while also seeking medical care and maintaining a dharmic, compassionate environment.