Shloka 133
Āśauca, Daśāha Piṇḍa-Rites, Vṛṣotsarga, Sāpiṇḍīkaraṇa, and the Yama-mārga
Path to Yama
पिण्डमश्राति करुणं नानाक्रन्दान् करोत्यपि / दशमे मासि दत्तं वै सुतप्तभवनं ततः
piṇḍamaśrāti karuṇaṃ nānākrandān karotyapi / daśame māsi dattaṃ vai sutaptabhavanaṃ tataḥ
He partakes of the piṇḍa offering in sorrow, even crying out in many ways. When it is given in the tenth month, then thereafter he attains a well-heated, comforting dwelling.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: दशमे मासि (tenth month after death)
Concept: Śrāddha and piṇḍa-dāna tangibly affect the preta’s condition; timely rites provide comfort even within the afterlife itinerary.
Vedantic Theme: Ritual action (karma-kāṇḍa) as a supportive means within saṃsāra; the jīva’s experience is conditioned until higher liberation is pursued.
Application: Do the prescribed monthly piṇḍa/śrāddha without delay; treat rites as compassionate duty toward ancestors.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: dwelling/house
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: piṇḍa-bhoga by preta; month-by-month benefits; Garuda Purana: descriptions of stations/dwellings obtained by offerings
FAQs
This verse presents piṇḍa-dāna as direct support to the preta: it is ‘partaken’ by the departed and affects their comfort, even leading to a better dwelling when offered in the prescribed month.
It depicts the departed in a vulnerable preta-condition—sorrowful and crying—whose post-death experience is influenced by timely offerings, indicating an interim journey where ritual support provides relief.
Perform śrāddha and piṇḍa offerings with regularity and sincerity (especially the month-based rites), and live with responsibility toward ancestors and family duties (pitṛ-dharma).