Shloka 7
) सर्वमेतदशषेण जायते वसुधातले / कस्मान्मृत्युमवाप्नोति राजा वा श्रोत्रियो ऽपि वा
) sarvametadaśaṣeṇa jāyate vasudhātale / kasmānmṛtyumavāpnoti rājā vā śrotriyo 'pi vā
All this, without exception, is born upon the surface of the earth. Why, then, does one meet with death—be he a king or even a learned Vedic scholar (śrotriya)?
Garuda (Vinata-putra) questioning Lord Vishnu
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Since all are born on earth without exception, death is likewise unavoidable; neither sovereignty nor Vedic learning grants exemption.
Vedantic Theme: Anityatā (impermanence) and viveka (discrimination) between the perishable body and the enduring self.
Application: Use the certainty of death to prioritize inner growth, ethical living, and remembrance of the Self/Divine over transient achievements.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: cosmic-terrestrial plane
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: repeated emphasis that all beings must face death and judgment (contextual)
FAQs
This verse frames death as universal—birth on earth inevitably leads to mortality—prompting the listener to seek the deeper cause (karma and time) and prepare through dharma and right conduct.
By questioning why even the powerful and the learned die, the verse sets up the teaching that death is not avoided by status; what matters for the soul’s post-death journey is one’s karma, duties, and spiritual preparation.
Do not rely on position or learning alone—live ethically, perform duties sincerely, and cultivate remembrance of the divine, since mortality is certain for all.