Shloka 68
Gayā-kṣetra and Phalgu Tīrtha: Sites, Rites, and the Liberation of the Pitṛs
यः करोति वृषोत्सर्गं गयाक्षेत्रे ह्यनुत्तमे / अग्निष्टोमशतं पुण्यं लभते नात्र संशयः
yaḥ karoti vṛṣotsargaṃ gayākṣetre hyanuttame / agniṣṭomaśataṃ puṇyaṃ labhate nātra saṃśayaḥ
Whoever performs the vṛṣotsarga—the ritual release of a bull—in the unsurpassed sacred field of Gayā obtains the merit equal to a hundred Agniṣṭoma sacrifices; of this there is no doubt.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: As an ancillary rite performed during Gayā śrāddha/pilgrimage observances.
Concept: Karma-phala amplification through tīrtha and prescribed rite: vṛṣotsarga at Gayā yields merit equal to a hundred Agniṣṭomas.
Vedantic Theme: Efficacy of dharmic action (karma) when aligned with śāstra and sacred space; śraddhā as a catalyst for puṇya.
Application: If undertaking Gayā rites, consider vṛṣotsarga (where culturally and ethically appropriate) as a high-merit ancillary rite; otherwise emulate its intent through sanctioned charity and protection of cattle.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha/kshetra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana śrāddha/tīrtha sections praising Gayā’s unique phala; Passages listing vṛṣotsarga among ancillary śrāddha-related rites
FAQs
This verse states that performing vṛṣotsarga at the sacred Gayā-kṣetra yields extraordinary merit—equal to a hundred Agniṣṭoma sacrifices—showing it is considered a highly efficacious rite within pitṛ-related dharma.
By emphasizing Gayā-kṣetra rites and their immense puṇya, the verse supports the Garuda Purana’s broader teaching that properly performed ancestral and post-death rituals aid the departed and strengthen the family’s dharmic continuity.
It encourages sincere performance of traditional ancestral rites—especially at major tīrthas like Gayā when possible—and, more broadly, mindful charity and dharmic observances dedicated to ancestors.