Shloka 64

Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna

Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings

Devanagari script

ओदनानि च सक्तूंश्च शाकमूलफलादिना / प्रथमे ऽहनि यद्दद्यात्तद्दद्यादुत्तरे ऽहनि

Transliteration

odanāni ca saktūṃśca śākamūlaphalādinā / prathame 'hani yaddadyāttaddadyāduttare 'hani

Translation

Rice preparations (odana) and parched-flour offerings (saktu), together with vegetables, roots, fruits, and the like—whatever one gives on the first day, that same should be given again on the following day.

Word by Word

ओदनानिcooked rice dishes

चand

सक्तून्parched grain/flour

चand

शाकमूलफलादिनाwith vegetables, roots, fruits, etc.

प्रथमेon the first

अहनिday

यत्whatever (that)

दद्यात्one should give

तत्that

दद्यात्should give

उत्तरेon the next

अहनिday

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vainateya)

Shraddha Ritual

Ritual Type: Ekoddishta

Beneficiary: Pitr

Timing: Day 1 and subsequent days within the ten-day sequence (contextual)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: यद् दद्यात् प्रथमेऽहनि तद् दद्यात् उत्तरेऽहनि—maintain consistency of offerings (odana, saktu, śāka, mūla, phala) across successive days.

Vedantic Theme: Niyama (discipline) and śraddhā expressed through orderly repetition rather than novelty.

Application: Standardize the offering menu from day one and repeat it on subsequent days; ensure purity, suitability, and continuity rather than frequent changes.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: ritual offering area (household/śrāddha space)

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana: śrāddha-vidhi passages prescribing food types and consistency; Garuda Purana: preta-kr̥tya sequences where daily offerings are regulated

Characters & Entities

Garuda

Preta

FAQs

What is the importance of repeating the same offering on the next day in Garuda Purana?

This verse emphasizes continuity and consistency in preta-kr̥tya: the food items offered on the first day should be repeated the next day, indicating a regulated, faithful observance rather than arbitrary variation.

How does this verse relate to Garuda Purana teachings on the departed soul’s needs?

Within the Preta Kanda context, prescribed food-offerings (odanāni, saktu, vegetables, roots, fruits) are part of supporting the preta through orderly rites; the instruction to repeat the same offering reflects disciplined ritual care during the immediate post-death period.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

If performing śrāddha or related memorial offerings, keep the observance steady and intentional—offer simple, sattvic foods consistently and with sincerity, focusing on duty (dharma) rather than display.