Shloka 36
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
अन्नानि येन दत्तानि श्रद्धापूतेन चेतसा / सो ऽपि तृप्तिमवाप्नोति विनाप्यन्नेन वै तदा
annāni yena dattāni śraddhāpūtena cetasā / so 'pi tṛptimavāpnoti vināpyannena vai tadā
He who has given food with a mind purified by faith—he too attains satisfaction then, even without personally consuming food.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Food given with śraddhā-purified mind yields ‘tṛpti’ (satisfaction) later, even absent physical consumption—merit becomes subtle nourishment.
Vedantic Theme: Inner disposition sanctifies action; karmic fruits can manifest as mental/experiential states (tṛpti) beyond gross bodily intake.
Application: Practice anna-dana with reverence and cleanliness; feed others before oneself; give without expectation to cultivate contentment.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.4.33 (provisions and household support); Garuda Purana 2.4.35 (water gifts yielding relief); Garuda Purana śrāddha-related teachings where offerings provide satisfaction to departed (thematic)
FAQs
This verse states that giving food with sincere faith brings inner satisfaction and merit to the giver, emphasizing that the spiritual fruit comes from faithful giving, not from personal consumption.
In the Preta Kanda context, acts like food-giving performed with śraddhā support dharma and generate merit associated with śrāddha-linked duties, aiding the religious economy of post-death observances.
Offer food or support nourishment programs with a respectful, faith-filled intention; the teaching highlights that sincere charity cultivates contentment and positive karma beyond immediate material return.