Shloka 7
Madātyaya Nidāna and Lakṣaṇa: Liquor’s Qualities, Tridoṣa Presentations, and Fainting Signs
एको ऽयं बहुमार्गायाः दुर्गर् (म) तेर्दर्शकः परम् / निश्चेष्टः सन्नवाक्शेते तृतीये ऽत्र मदे स्थितः
eko 'yaṃ bahumārgāyāḥ durgar (ma) terdarśakaḥ param / niśceṣṭaḥ sannavākśete tṛtīye 'tra made sthitaḥ
This one being alone is the supreme guide for the many roads of the difficult journey. Yet, motionless, he lies face-down, without speech; here he remains established in the third state—delusive intoxication (mada).
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: The inner guiding principle alone can navigate life’s many difficult paths; in deep delusion one becomes inert and voiceless.
Vedantic Theme: When buddhi (guide) is veiled by tamas, the jiva loses agency; need to restore sattva for guidance toward moksha.
Application: Strengthen inner guidance through satsanga, scriptural study, and sobriety; intervene early in addiction to prevent total collapse.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana progression of mada states culminating in inertness; emphasis on inner discernment as path-guide
FAQs
This verse highlights that delusion can render a being inert and speechless, unable to navigate even when guidance exists—implying the need for clarity, dharma, and right knowledge to traverse the post-death journey.
It portrays the journey as having “many roads” and being difficult, where a guide is crucial; yet the soul’s condition may become immobilized by confusion, indicating transitional states that affect movement and awareness.
Cultivate sobriety of mind—avoid moral and mental intoxication (mada), practice dharma and remembrance—so one remains lucid and prepared for life’s transitions and death-related rites.