Shloka 76
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
एकवारं त्रिवारं वा दशवारमथापि वा / भूमावश्मनि वा सर्वे क्षिपेयुर्वाग्यताः खग
ekavāraṃ trivāraṃ vā daśavāramathāpi vā / bhūmāvaśmani vā sarve kṣipeyurvāgyatāḥ khaga
Once, or three times, or even ten times—let all the participants in silence, O Bird (Garuda), cast the prescribed offering either upon the ground or upon a stone.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: During offering sequence following bath and preparation; count-based casting step.
Concept: Ritual action gains force through correct repetition, silence (vāg-yama), and proper placement of offerings.
Vedantic Theme: Abhyāsa (repetition) and niyama (discipline) as supports for steadiness amid impermanence.
Application: Follow prescribed counts and maintain silence; use repetition to anchor attention and reduce emotional turbulence during rites.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: ritual-ground
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.4.73–75: sequence of bath, kuśa, tila-jala offering leading to casting action; Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: broader emphasis on precise rites aiding the departed
FAQs
This verse instructs that the act be performed with restrained speech, emphasizing ritual focus, purity of intention, and avoidance of careless talk during offerings connected with preta-kriyā.
It specifies permissible repetition—once, three times, or ten times—and allows the offering to be cast on the ground or on a stone, indicating practical flexibility within an established ritual framework.
When performing śrāddha or remembrance rites, keep the atmosphere quiet and attentive, follow a consistent count as per family tradition or priestly guidance, and complete the offering respectfully without distraction.