Shloka 23
Marakata (Emerald): Mythic Origin, Anti-Poison Virtue, Qualities, Defects, and Proper Wearing
वज्राणि मुक्ताः सन्त्यन्ये ये च केचिद्द्विजातयः / तेषां नाप्रतिबद्धानां भा भवत्यूर्ध्वगामिनी
vajrāṇi muktāḥ santyanye ye ca keciddvijātayaḥ / teṣāṃ nāpratibaddhānāṃ bhā bhavatyūrdhvagāminī
Others too are released from bonds hard as vajra—namely, certain dvija, the twice-born. For those not held back by attachment and obstruction, their radiance moves upward, leading them higher.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Non-attachment and removal of impediments allow the soul’s ‘radiance’ to ascend; even the dvija can be freed from hard bonds through inner release.
Vedantic Theme: Bandha–moksha; vairagya as an upadhi-removing force; upward movement as symbol of sattva and liberation.
Application: Cultivate detachment, reduce clinging and obstructive habits; pursue disciplines that loosen ‘vajra-like’ conditioning (samskara).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (moksha/dharma passages contrasting bondage and ascent in the same adhyaya context)
FAQs
This verse states that when a person is not held back by binding obstructions—especially attachments and karmic impediments—their inner radiance naturally moves upward, indicating a higher post-death trajectory.
It links the soul’s ascent (ūrdhvagati) with freedom from binding forces described as ‘vajra-like’—suggesting that release from strong karmic/psychological bonds enables a higher movement rather than downward or stagnant states.
Cultivate detachment, ethical discipline, and clarity of conduct so fewer ‘binding’ tendencies obstruct the mind—supporting a life oriented toward upliftment and a calmer transition at death.