Shloka 63
Garuḍa’s Return to Vaikuṇṭha and the Comprehensive Inquiry into Death-Rites and the Preta’s Journey
खञ्जाः काणाश्च बधिरा मूकाः कुष्ठाश्च लोमशाः / नानारोगपरीताश्च खपुष्पाच्चाभिमानिनः
khañjāḥ kāṇāśca badhirā mūkāḥ kuṣṭhāśca lomaśāḥ / nānārogaparītāśca khapuṣpāccābhimāninaḥ
They become lame, one-eyed, deaf, mute, afflicted with leprosy, and covered with excessive hair; they are beset by many diseases—and (some) become vain and deluded, proud of mere empty appearances, like a ‘sky-flower’.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vainateya)
Concept: Deha-duḥkha and the futility of ahaṅkāra: pride can attach even to empty appearances.
Vedantic Theme: Asat-prapañca and ahaṅkāra; body as impermanent upādhi; critique of māyā-born self-image.
Application: Cultivate humility, care for the sick, and practice self-inquiry to separate self-worth from appearance and status.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: bodily decay and disease as reminders for vairāgya; Garuda Purana: condemnation of mada (pride) and moha
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that harmful actions and inner faults can mature into tangible suffering—disability, chronic disease, and deluded pride—showing karma as both moral and experiential consequence.
Within the Preta Kanda’s framework, Vishnu describes the results that follow the jīva due to past deeds: the soul carries karmic impressions that can manifest as suffering and impaired conditions in future embodiment.
Cultivate humility and ethical conduct, avoid cruelty and harmful habits, and practice self-examination to reduce ego-driven delusion—since inner dispositions are portrayed as shaping future well-being.