मेषमूत्रसैन्धवाभ्यां कर्णयोर्भरणाच्छिव / कर्णयोः पूतिनाशः स्यात्कृमिस्त्रावादिकस्य च
meṣamūtrasaindhavābhyāṃ karṇayorbharaṇācchiva / karṇayoḥ pūtināśaḥ syātkṛmistrāvādikasya ca
O Śiva, by filling the ears with a mixture of ram’s urine and rock-salt, the foul smell in the ears is destroyed, and so too are worm-infestation, discharge, and related ailments.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda, with a vocative reference to Śiva)
Concept: Even impure, distressing conditions are to be treated without aversion, using effective means; compassion and cleanliness uphold dharma.
Vedantic Theme: Aśauca/śauca at the bodily level: purification supports steadiness of mind and worship; transcendence does not negate responsible care.
Application: Recognize signs of infection/infestation and seek proper treatment; the text records a strong traditional measure, but modern safety and diagnosis are essential.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.176.13-14 (earache, fetor, worms, discharge)
This verse preserves practical, tradition-based therapeutics (karṇa-roga-pratikāra), showing that the Purana also transmits applied healing knowledge alongside dharma and ritual teachings.
It does not directly address the soul’s journey; instead, it focuses on bodily well-being through a specific remedy, reflecting the text’s broader scope beyond afterlife narratives.
It highlights the traditional use of saindhava in cleansing formulations; however, because it involves instilling substances into the ear, it should be approached cautiously and only with qualified medical guidance.