Shloka 32
देवतीर्थद्विजानां तु निन्दांयः कुरुते नरः / प्रत्यक्षं वा परोक्षं वा सा पीडा प्रेतसम्भवा
devatīrthadvijānāṃ tu nindāṃyaḥ kurute naraḥ / pratyakṣaṃ vā parokṣaṃ vā sā pīḍā pretasambhavā
A man who reviles the gods, sacred pilgrimage places (tīrthas), or the twice-born (dvija, Brahmins)—whether openly or behind their backs—incurs a torment said to arise in the preta state.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Nindā (revilement) of devas, tīrthas, and dvijas—openly or secretly—produces preta-linked torment; speech ethics are karmically potent.
Vedantic Theme: Vāk (speech) as karma; disrespect toward sacred supports (deva, tīrtha, brāhmaṇa) deepens tamas and binds to suffering.
Application: Practice satya-hita speech; avoid slander, especially of sacred institutions; cultivate reverence and critical humility rather than contempt.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: tirtha
Related Themes: Garuda Purana passages on nindā as pāpa and on tīrtha-mahātmyas; Pretakalpa lists of sins leading to preta states
FAQs
This verse states that slandering devas, sacred tirthas, or dvijas becomes a direct cause of suffering after death, manifesting as preta-born torment.
It links a specific moral fault—revilement in speech—to consequences experienced in the preta condition, implying that post-death experiences reflect one’s karmic speech and conduct.
Practice restraint in speech: avoid public or private disparagement of sacred persons/places/traditions, and cultivate respectful, truthful communication to reduce harmful karmic outcomes.