Shloka 63

Devatā-Pratiṣṭhā: Maṇḍapa Construction, Dikpāla Worship, Kalaśa-Abhiṣeka, Nyāsa and Homa Procedures

Devanagari script

नीलरुद्रांश्च मैत्रं च अथर्वश्चोत्तरे जपेत्

Transliteration

nīlarudrāṃśca maitraṃ ca atharvaścottare japet

Translation

On the northern side, one should recite the Nīlarudras, the Maitra hymn, and the Atharva mantras.

Word by Word

• नीलरुद्रान्: Nīlarudras (hymns/recitations), plural
• नीलरुद्रान्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: नीलरुद्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, बहुवचन; समासः—नीलः रुद्रः (कर्मधारय), तद्भव-समूहः

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (Connector)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्यय (conjunction)

• मैत्रम्: Maitra (a chant/section)
• मैत्रम्: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मैत्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (Connector)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्यय (conjunction)

• अथर्वः: Atharva (Atharvan chant/text)
• अथर्वः: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अथर्वन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया-विभक्ति, एकवचन; रूपम्—अथर्वः (अथर्वन्-शब्दस्य द्वितीया एकवचन-प्रयोगः, छान्दस/पाठान्तरसम्भव)

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (Connector)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चय-अव्यय (conjunction)

• उत्तरे: in the north
• उत्तरे: Adhikarana (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: उत्तर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, सप्तमी-विभक्ति (अधिकरण), एकवचन; दिशि/भागे (locative)

• जपेत्: should recite
• जपेत्: Kriya (Action/क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: जप् (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (optative), प्रथमपुरुष, एकवचन; परस्मैपदम्

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Directional mantra deployment: specific corpora (Nīlarudra, Maitra, Atharva) are assigned to the northern quarter for ritual completeness and protection.

Vedantic Theme: Karma-kāṇḍa as ordered discipline; mantra as śabda-brahman functioning within prescribed boundaries.

Application: In homa/saṃskāra contexts, use protective mantras (Rudra/Atharva) in a structured way rather than indiscriminately.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: vira

Geographic Context

Type: ritual space orientation (dik)

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.48 (dik-wise recitation scheme across quarters)

Characters & Entities

• Rudra
• Mitra
• Atharvaveda

FAQs

What is the importance of reciting Nīlarudra, Maitra, and Atharva mantras in the Garuda Purana?

This verse prescribes specific Vedic recitations as part of ritual procedure, indicating that mantra-japa is used to sanctify the rite and support the departed through correct sacred sound and tradition.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul in Garuda Purana teachings?

Indirectly, it emphasizes that proper rites (including correct mantras and ritual orientation) are considered supportive aids for the deceased in the post-death journey described elsewhere in the Preta-kanda.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

When performing or sponsoring last rites or śrāddha, follow qualified priestly guidance for correct mantra usage and ritual directions, prioritizing sincerity, purity, and dharmic conduct.