Shloka 3
जीवितान्ताः प्रजायन्ते विषेणोत्कर्षवर्तिना / तीक्ष्णादिभिर्गुणैर्मद्यं मान्द्यदीनोजसो गुणान्
jīvitāntāḥ prajāyante viṣeṇotkarṣavartinā / tīkṣṇādibhirguṇairmadyaṃ māndyadīnojaso guṇān
Life is driven toward its end by poison that works with overpowering force; and intoxicating liquor, by its sharp and other qualities, diminishes ojas—the vital essence—bringing on torpor and the like.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Poison and intoxicants hasten death and diminish ojas, leading to lethargy and loss of vitality.
Vedantic Theme: Deha-asakti as a cause of pramada (heedlessness); preservation of sattva and life-force supports discrimination (viveka).
Application: Avoid intoxicants and toxic exposures; cultivate diet and conduct that protect ojas (sleep, moderation, sattvic intake).
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (didactic sections on pramada/mada and consequences of adharma; adjacent verses on stages of intoxication and mental delusion)
FAQs
This verse frames intoxication (madya) as a force that reduces ojas—vital clarity and strength—leading to dullness and loss of self-control, which in turn supports adharma and harmful karma.
By describing poison as life-ending and liquor as ojas-diminishing, the verse implies that self-harm and impaired judgment shorten life and destabilize one’s dharmic conduct, shaping karmic outcomes that the Purana later connects with post-death consequences.
Avoid substances that cloud discernment or damage vitality; protect ojas through moderation, clarity of mind, and disciplined living so actions remain aligned with dharma.