Shloka 15
Garuḍa’s Assault on the Devas and the Fire-Barrier (अमृत-रक्षा-युद्धम्)
शिरश्न पातु वह्निस्ते वसव: सर्वतस्तनुम् । अहं च ते सदा पुत्र शान्तिस्वस्तिपरायणा,अग्निदेव तुम्हारे सिरकी और वसुगण तुम्हारे सम्पूर्ण शरीरकी सब ओरसे रक्षा करें। पुत्र! मैं भी तुम्हारे लिये शान्ति एवं कल्याणसाधक कर्ममें संलग्न हो यहाँ निरन्तर कुशल मनाती रहूँगी। वत्स! तुम्हारा मार्ग विध्नरहित हो, तुम अभीष्ट कार्यकी सिद्धिके लिये यात्रा करो
śirasnā pātu vahniste vasavaḥ sarvatastanum | ahaṃ ca te sadā putra śānti-svasti-parāyaṇā ||
Garuḍa said: “May Agni protect your head, and may the Vasus guard your whole body on every side. And I too, my son, ever devoted to peace and well-being, shall continually wish you safety. Dear child, may your path be free of obstacles; go forth on your journey to accomplish your desired aim.”
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models a dharmic benediction: one should begin undertakings with prayers for protection, peace (śānti), and well-being (svasti), recognizing both divine support (Agni, the Vasus) and personal goodwill expressed through continual auspicious intention.
Garuḍa addresses a ‘son’ (putra) and pronounces protective blessings—assigning Agni to guard the head and the Vasus to guard the body—while also promising to remain devoted to acts that bring peace and welfare, and urging the addressee to proceed on an obstacle-free journey to accomplish the intended goal.