Shloka 7
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
तिला लोहं हिरण्यं च कर्पासं लवणं तथा / सप्तधान्यं क्षितिर्गाव एकैकं पावनं स्मृतम्
tilā lohaṃ hiraṇyaṃ ca karpāsaṃ lavaṇaṃ tathā / saptadhānyaṃ kṣitirgāva ekaikaṃ pāvanaṃ smṛtam
Sesame seeds, iron, gold, cotton, and salt—together with the seven grains, land, and cows—each, taken singly, is remembered as a purifier in rites such as śrāddha and sacred charity.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Śrāddha occasions (parva/annual) and dāna contexts; also preparatory to antima-kāla rites.
Concept: Pavitrata through prescribed gifts/substances; material offerings as instruments of ritual and moral purification.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-kāṇḍa as citta-śuddhi leading toward higher pursuit; purification as support for dharma and eventual mokṣa-adhikāra.
Application: Use these items as eligible dāna/śrāddha offerings according to capacity; treat them as intentional acts of purification rather than mere transaction.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Preta/Śrāddha sections): discussions of tiladāna, ghṛtadāna, go-dāna, bhū-dāna, and mahādāna lists; Garuda Purana: antima-kāla dāna and path-provisions (pada) sequences following this verse
FAQs
This verse lists traditional pāvana-dravyas—items considered spiritually purifying when offered in śrāddha-related charity, supporting Pitṛ-kārya and aiding the departed through sanctifying merit (puṇya).
In the Preta Kanda, the departed (preta) is supported by rites and gifts performed by the living; the verse identifies specific offerings believed to purify and strengthen the ritual efficacy that benefits the deceased and ancestors.
During memorial rites or charitable acts in a deceased person’s name, one may prioritize simple, meaningful dāna—food grains, salt, cloth, or support for cows/land-related charity—done with sincerity and adherence to one’s tradition.