Shloka 51

Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline

Devanagari script

श्वक्रोष्टुगर्दभोलूकसामबाणार्तनिः स्वने / अमेध्यशवशूद्रान्त्यश्मशानपतितान्तिके

Transliteration

śvakroṣṭugardabholūkasāmabāṇārtaniḥ svane / amedhyaśavaśūdrāntyaśmaśānapatitāntike

Translation

Amid the howling of dogs, jackals, donkeys, and owls, and the wailing of those struck by arrows; near impure corpses, among Śūdras and outcastes, and close to the cremation ground (śmaśāna) and the fallen in sin—one should not perform sacred rites there.

Word by Word

• श्व-क्रोष्टु-गर्दभ-उलूक-साम-बाण-आर्तनिः: the distress-cry (made by) dog, jackal, donkey, owl, (chant of) Sāman, and arrow
• श्व-क्रोष्टु-गर्दभ-उलूक-साम-बाण-आर्तनिः: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: श्वन् (प्रातिपदिक) + क्रोष्टु (प्रातिपदिक) + गर्दभ (प्रातिपदिक) + उलूक (प्रातिपदिक) + साम (प्रातिपदिक) + बाण (प्रातिपदिक) + आर्तनिः (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/प्रथमा), एकवचन; समाहार-द्वन्द्वः (collective) — ‘(एतेषां) आर्तनिः’ इति समासार्थः (a distress-sound consisting of...)

• स्वने: in sound; at the time of such sounds
• स्वने: Adhikarana (Location/Time/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: स्वन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, सप्तमी (7th/अधिकरण), एकवचन; ‘स्वन’ = ध्वनि (sound)

• अमेध्य-शव-शूद्र-अन्त्य-श्मशान-पतित-अन्तिके: near impure things—corpse, Śūdra/outcaste, cremation-ground, fallen person
• अमेध्य-शव-शूद्र-अन्त्य-श्मशान-पतित-अन्तिके: Adhikarana (Location/Time/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अमेध्य (प्रातिपदिक) + शव (प्रातिपदिक) + शूद्र (प्रातिपदिक) + अन्त्य (प्रातिपदिक) + श्मशान (प्रातिपदिक) + पतित (कृदन्त; पत् धातु) + अन्तिक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग/पुंलिङ्ग (अन्तिक-शब्दः), सप्तमी (7th/अधिकरण), एकवचन; बहु-तत्पुरुषसमासः—‘अमेध्यादीनां ... अन्तिके’ (near impure things etc.)

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in discourse to Garuḍa / Vinatā-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Ritual purity and proper setting are prerequisites for sacred study/rites; inauspicious soundscapes and aśauca contexts obstruct adhikāra.

Vedantic Theme: Discipline (niyama) and sattva-supporting environment as aids to śāstra-study; guarding the mind from tamasic disturbance.

Application: Choose clean, quiet, non-violent surroundings for prayer, study, and rites; avoid performing sacred acts near death/decay or amid chaotic noise.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bibhatsa

Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka

Geographic Context

Type: cremation-ground and liminal margins

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96 anadhyāya/aśauca conditions (surrounding verses); Garuda Purana ritual-impurity discussions in śrāddha-related passages (general internal linkage)

FAQs

What is the importance of avoiding impure surroundings in the Garuda Purana?

This verse emphasizes that sacred acts should not be done in environments marked by impurity, distressing sounds, corpses, or cremation-ground proximity, as these conditions are considered ritually and psychologically inauspicious.

How does this verse relate to the broader Garuda Purana teaching on dharma?

It supports the Ācāra (conduct) framework: dharma is upheld not only by intent but also by observing proper place, time, and purity conditions for rites and recitation.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Choose a clean, calm, and respectful setting for prayer, japa, śrāddha-related observances, or scripture study; avoid locations associated with disturbance, intoxication, or neglect of hygiene and dignity.