Shloka 45
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
उपसंहारकस्तस्मादेनं स्वर्गं मृतं नय / इति क्रव्यादमभ्यर्च्य शरीराहुतिमाचरेत्
upasaṃhārakastasmādenaṃ svargaṃ mṛtaṃ naya / iti kravyādamabhyarcya śarīrāhutimācaret
Therefore, the one who performs the concluding rite should lead the departed toward heaven. Saying thus, having duly worshipped Kravyāda—the consuming, flesh-devouring fire—one should perform the offering of the body as āhuti.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Svarga
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Concluding segment of cremation (antyeṣṭi)
Concept: Final rites are a dharmic completion that petitions for higher gati (svarga) and supports release from embodied identity
Vedantic Theme: Anityatā of śarīra; gati determined by karma yet aided by saṃskāra and divine grace
Application: Conclude rites with clear prayer for the departed’s welfare, then perform cremation offering without hesitation or disorder
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: antyeṣṭi fire-altar
Related Themes: 2.15.44 stuti to Kravyāda; this verse gives the phala-intent (svarga-nayana) and the act (śarīrāhuti); Garuda Purana Preta-kalpa on gati, svarga/naraka outcomes, and importance of antyeṣṭi
FAQs
This verse frames the concluding performer’s duty as spiritually directing the deceased toward a higher post-death destination, completing the rite with proper reverence and offering.
By worshipping the kravyāda (the consuming cremation power) and offering the body, the rite is presented as a sanctioned transition that supports the departed’s onward movement toward svarga.
Perform last rites with clarity of intention, reverence, and procedural care—treating funeral actions as dharmic duties done for the welfare of the departed rather than as mere social custom.