Shloka 25
बान्धवा विमुखा यान्ति धर्मस्तमनुगच्छति / गृहेष्वर्था निवर्तन्ते श्मशानान्मित्रबान्धवाः
bāndhavā vimukhā yānti dharmastamanugacchati / gṛheṣvarthā nivartante śmaśānānmitrabāndhavāḥ
Relatives turn away and depart, but Dharma follows that person. Wealth remains behind at home, and friends and kinsmen return from the cremation ground.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Dharma (and by implication karma) is the true companion; social bonds and wealth are limited to this life.
Vedantic Theme: Asaṅga and anityatā; dharma as the enduring ‘sādhana’ that shapes post-mortem destiny.
Application: Invest in dharmic conduct and generosity rather than relying on social status; cultivate inner resources for death (smaraṇa, preparedness).
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: cremation_ground
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: ‘dharma follows’ motif repeated in death/pretakalpa instruction sections; adjacent verses stress karma’s persistence (2.12.26).
FAQs
This verse states that family, friends, and possessions do not accompany the departed; only Dharma—one’s accumulated merit and righteousness—follows and supports the soul beyond death.
By contrasting the cremation-ground farewell with Dharma’s continued companionship, it frames the post-death journey as governed by one’s deeds (karma/merit), not by social ties or material assets.
Live with ethical discipline, charity, and truthfulness, and treat rituals and duties as supports for inner conduct—because wealth and relationships end at the funeral, while character and merit shape what comes next.