Shloka 35
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
न चोपघातं कुर्वन्ति भूताद्या देवयोनयः / विश्रामे भूतसंज्ञो ऽयं तेन तत्र प्रदापयेत्
na copaghātaṃ kurvanti bhūtādyā devayonayaḥ / viśrāme bhūtasaṃjño 'yaṃ tena tatra pradāpayet
And the divine-born beings—such as bhūtas and the like—do not inflict harm there. At the resting place, this offering is known as “bhūta”; therefore one should offer it there.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At the viśrāma station during the funeral-route/antyeṣṭi offering circuit
Concept: Offerings prevent harm from bhūtas and other deva-yoni beings; at the resting place the offering is designated ‘Bhūta’ and should be given there.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as safeguarding (rakṣaṇa) through right action; recognition of multiple orders of beings within saṃsāra.
Application: At the designated resting place, offer the piṇḍa explicitly as ‘bhūta’ bali to avert disturbances and ensure safe continuation of rites.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: rest-stop/liminal station near cremation route or ritual procession path
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.15: station-wise piṇḍa recipients culminating in spirit-appeasement at viśrāma; Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: bhūta/preta taxonomy and appeasement logic (general)
FAQs
It identifies a specific offering to be made at a resting point during post-death rites, understood as meant for bhūtas (subtle beings), helping ensure the journey proceeds without disturbance.
It states that devayonis such as bhūtas do not cause harm at that resting place, and prescribes an offering there, implying ritual provision and pacification of subtle beings along the route.
When performing śrāddha or related death rites, follow the prescribed sequence of offerings carefully—especially at designated stages—emphasizing disciplined, respectful ritual conduct and care for dependents and ancestors.