Shloka 92
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
व्यालग्राही यथा व्यालं बिलादुद्धरते बलात् / तद्वदुद्धृत्य सा नारी तेनैव सह मोदते
vyālagrāhī yathā vyālaṃ bilāduddharate balāt / tadvaduddhṛtya sā nārī tenaiva saha modate
Just as a snake-catcher forcefully pulls a serpent up from its burrow, so too that woman is drawn out from her plight and then rejoices together with that very one who drew her out.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Deliverance by a powerful protector; the rescued one rejoices with the rescuer—an image often used to valorize conjugal fidelity and salvific companionship.
Vedantic Theme: Anugraha (grace/help) as the turning point from bondage-like confinement to freedom/joy (upamā rather than explicit Vedānta).
Application: Cultivate steadfast loyalty and trust in the rightful protector; recognize and reciprocate beneficent aid rather than remaining in fear or resentment.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: metaphoric (burrow/bila)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.4.93-96 (continuation: heavenly enjoyment, pativratā merit, and the fire-ascension doctrine)
FAQs
It illustrates decisive extraction from a confined, dangerous condition—symbolizing forceful deliverance from suffering or bondage and the relief that follows.
In the Preta Kanda’s context of post-death conditions, the verse uses a vivid image of being pulled out from a “burrow” to convey removal from distress and the resulting joy or reunion once the constraining state is ended.
Seek timely help and corrective action when trapped in harmful patterns; also support others’ upliftment—true relief comes from being guided out of destructive confinement into a dharmic life.