Shloka 26
Tila–Darbha–Maṇḍala in Aūrdhvadaihika: Protection, Eligibility, and the Merit of Salt-Dāna
हस्ताभ्यामुद्धृतैर्दर्भैस्तोयेन प्रोक्षयेद्भुवम् / मृत्युकाले क्षिपेद्दर्भानातुरस्य करद्वये
hastābhyāmuddhṛtairdarbhaistoyena prokṣayedbhuvam / mṛtyukāle kṣipeddarbhānāturasya karadvaye
With darbha grass lifted by both hands, one should sprinkle the ground with water. At the time of death, one should place the darbha blades into the two hands of the dying person.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Mṛtyu-kāla (at the time of death)
Concept: Proper mṛtyu-kāla observance: purify the space with water and darbha; equip the dying person with darbha as a pavitra support.
Vedantic Theme: Saṃskāra at the end of life: disciplined action and sacred symbols stabilize mind and environment, supporting auspicious gati.
Application: Prepare a clean, sanctified area; sprinkle water with darbha; gently place darbha in both hands of the dying person while maintaining a calm devotional atmosphere.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: domestic ritual space / prepared ground
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: mṛtyu-kāla vidhi and use of darbha/pavitra (thematic)
FAQs
This verse prescribes darbha as a ritual implement at death-time: it is used with water for purification of the space and is placed in the dying person’s hands as part of the prescribed final observances.
By emphasizing orderly death-time rites—purifying the place and preparing the dying person—this verse frames the departure as a guided transition, where correct observance supports a calmer, dharmic passage into the post-death journey described in the Preta Kanda.
If following tradition, keep the environment clean and calm, and perform rites only under guidance of knowledgeable elders/priests; the broader takeaway is to approach end-of-life moments with reverence, purity, and steadiness rather than panic.