Shloka 170
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
ऊढामेव स्वकां भार्यामुद्वहेद्विधिवत्पुमान् / वर्षे पञ्चदशे पक्षिन् द्वादशे वा गते सति
ūḍhāmeva svakāṃ bhāryāmudvahedvidhivatpumān / varṣe pañcadaśe pakṣin dvādaśe vā gate sati
A man should marry only a maiden of his own community, in accordance with the prescribed rites, O Bird (Garuda), when he has reached the age of fifteen—or, alternatively, when he has completed twelve years.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Marriage should be performed according to vidhi, with an appropriate partner within one’s community, at a prescribed age.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as regulator of kāma and artha; saṃskāra-guided life supports orderly pursuit of puruṣārthas.
Application: Follow community-appropriate marriage rites; ensure consent and readiness; interpret age prescriptions in light of contemporary law and health while preserving the principle of dharmic propriety.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: household/social sphere
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: gṛhastha-dharma and saṃskāra passages on vivāha; Garuda Purana: varṇa/jāti propriety discussions where present
FAQs
This verse frames marriage as a dharmic saṃskāra that must be performed “vidhivat,” emphasizing social and ritual order as part of righteous household life.
In the Preta Kanda, proper observance of dharma (including saṃskāras like marriage) is presented as a foundation for merit (puṇya) and moral conduct, which shapes karmic outcomes discussed elsewhere in the text.
Treat marriage as a responsible ethical commitment: follow lawful procedures, uphold mutual duties, and prioritize conduct aligned with dharma rather than impulse.