Shloka 138
Āśauca, Daśāha Piṇḍa-Rites, Vṛṣotsarga, Sāpiṇḍīkaraṇa, and the Yama-mārga
Path to Yama
क्षितौ दत्तञ्च पिण्डादि भुक्त्वा तत्र ततो व्रजेत् / पयोवर्षणमित्येतन्नामकं पुरमण्डज
kṣitau dattañca piṇḍādi bhuktvā tatra tato vrajet / payovarṣaṇamityetannāmakaṃ puramaṇḍaja
Having there partaken of the piṇḍa-offerings and the like that were given upon the earth, he then departs from that place and proceeds onward—O Egg-born (Garuda)—to the city named Payovarṣaṇa (“Milk-Rain”).
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Śrāddha and piṇḍa-dāna offered on earth are received by the preta and affect the journey after death.
Vedantic Theme: Interdependence of laukika-dharma and subtle results (adr̥ṣṭa-phala); continuity of karma and ritual efficacy beyond death.
Application: Perform timely śrāddha and piṇḍa-dāna with faith and correctness; support ancestors and uphold family dharma.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: sequential ‘pura’ (city) stations in the preta’s route; reception of piṇḍas enabling movement (surrounding verses in 2.5).; Garuda Purana Śrāddha-kalpa sections: rules on piṇḍa, udaka, and their benefits to preta/pitṛs.
FAQs
This verse states that the departed being partakes of the piṇḍa and related offerings given on earth, implying these rites directly support and sustain the preta on its onward journey.
It depicts a sequential journey: after receiving earthly offerings, the preta moves onward to specific named cities on the route—here, the city called Payovarṣaṇa—showing the after-death path as staged and ordered.
Perform śrāddha and piṇḍa-dāna with care and sincerity, treating them as duties of remembrance and support for ancestors, and as disciplines that reinforce dharma and responsibility in family life.