Shloka 3

Preparations of Medicated Ghee and Oils (Ghṛta–Taila Yoga); Brāhmī-ghṛta and Nārāyaṇa Taila

Devanagari script

कण्टकार्या रसप्रस्थक्षीरप्रस्थममन्वितम् / एतद्ब्राह्मीघृतं नाम श्रुतिमेधाकरं परम्

Transliteration

kaṇṭakāryā rasaprasthakṣīraprasthamamanvitam / etadbrāhmīghṛtaṃ nāma śrutimedhākaraṃ param

Translation

With one prastha of kaṇṭakārī juice and one prastha of milk cooked together, this is called Brāhmī-ghṛta; it is supremely beneficial for strengthening śruti (learning) and medhā (intellect).

Word by Word

• कण्टकार्या: kaṇṭakārī (a medicinal plant)
• कण्टकार्या: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कण्टकार्या (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; औषधिद्रव्यनाम

• रसप्रस्थ: a prastha of juice/decoction
• रसप्रस्थ: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: रस + प्रस्थ (प्रातिपदिक-द्वय)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषसमास (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष: रसस्य प्रस्थः)

• क्षीरप्रस्थम्: a prastha of milk
• क्षीरप्रस्थम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: क्षीर + प्रस्थ (प्रातिपदिक-द्वय)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/द्वितीया), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषसमास (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष: क्षीरस्य प्रस्थः)

• अमन्वितम्: not combined/without (addition)
• अमन्वितम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अ + मन्वित (कृदन्त-प्रातिपदिक; √मन्/मन् ‘to think/consider’ → मन्वित ‘associated’)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/द्वितीया), एकवचन; भूतकृदन्त (क्त) नकार-प्रत्ययेन निषेधः; विशेषणम्

• एतत्: this
• एतत्: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: एतद् (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; सर्वनाम

• ब्राह्मीघृतम्: Brahmī-ghee (medicated ghee)
• ब्राह्मीघृतम्: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ब्राह्मी + घृत (प्रातिपदिक-द्वय)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषसमास (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुष: ब्राह्म्याः घृतम्)

• नाम: called/known as
• नाम: Sambandha (Apposition marker/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: नाम (अव्यय/निपात)
• Form: नाम-निपात (quotative/‘called’)

• श्रुतिमेधाकरम्: enhancing learning and intellect
• श्रुतिमेधाकरम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: श्रुति + मेधा + कर (प्रातिपदिक-त्रय)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषसमास (कर्मधारय/षष्ठीभाव: ‘श्रुतिं मेधां च करोति’) विशेषणम्

• परम्: supreme/excellent
• परम्: Visheshana (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: पर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; विशेषणम्

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)

Medical Ayurveda

Dosha: Mixed

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Strengthening the instruments of knowledge (buddhi, smṛti) supports learning and discernment.

Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi and buddhi-prasāda as auxiliaries to jñāna; sāttvika nourishment enabling śāstra-adhyayana.

Application: Use Brāhmī-ghṛta as a supportive regimen for study, recitation, and mental steadiness, under proper guidance.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: vaidya-kitchen/gurukula support space

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.174.2-1.174.6 (ghṛta/taila preparations for health and vitality)

Characters & Entities

• Vishnu
• Garuda

FAQs

What is the importance of Brāhmī-ghṛta in the Garuda Purana?

This verse identifies Brāhmī-ghṛta as a superior intellect- and learning-enhancing preparation, highlighting the Purana’s practical Ayurvedic guidance alongside spiritual teaching.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

It does not describe the after-death journey here; instead, it teaches a life-supporting remedy that strengthens mental clarity—useful for dharma, study, and disciplined living emphasized throughout the Purana.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Treat it as a classical reference to medhya (cognition-supporting) formulations; any preparation should be undertaken with qualified Ayurvedic guidance and safe sourcing of ingredients.