Shloka 18

Ṛtucaryā, Āhāra–Aushadha Prayoga, Viṣa-haraṇa, and Mantra Procedures

Devanagari script

पञ्चरक्तानि पुष्पाणि पृथग्जात्या समालभेत् / कुङ्कुमेन समायुक्तमात्मरक्तसमन्वितम्

Transliteration

pañcaraktāni puṣpāṇi pṛthagjātyā samālabhet / kuṅkumena samāyuktamātmaraktasamanvitam

Translation

Qu’on se procure cinq fleurs rouges, chacune d’une espèce différente, et qu’on les offre—embaumées et rendues propices par le kuṅkuma (safran)—avec sa propre substance d’offrande rouge et sacrée.

Word by Word

• पञ्चरक्तानि: five red
• पञ्चरक्तानि: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: पञ्च (संख्या/प्रातिपदिक) + रक्त (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/Accusative), बहुवचन; द्विगु-समासः ‘पञ्च (संख्या) + रक्तानि’ = ‘five red (ones)’

• पुष्पाणि: flowers
• पुष्पाणि: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पुष्प (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/Accusative), बहुवचन

• पृथक्: separately
• पृथक्: Modifier (क्रियाविशेषण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: पृथक् (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; भेदार्थक क्रियाविशेषण (separately)

• जात्या: by species/type
• जात्या: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: जाति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd/Instrumental), एकवचन

• समालभेत्: should take/collect
• समालभेत्: Kriya (क्रिया)
• Type: Verb
• Root: लभ् (धातु)
• Form: विधिलिङ् (Optative), प्रथमपुरुष (3rd person), एकवचन; आत्मनेपद; उपसर्गः सम्-आ-

• कुङ्कुमेन: with saffron/vermilion
• कुङ्कुमेन: Karana (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कुङ्कुम (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3rd/Instrumental), एकवचन

• समायुक्तम्: combined
• समायुक्तम्: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सम्-आ-युज् (धातु) → समायुक्त (कृदन्त/प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: भूतकृदन्त (क्त), नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/Accusative), एकवचन; ‘joined/combined’

• आत्मरक्तसमन्वितम्: mixed with one’s own blood
• आत्मरक्तसमन्वितम्: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: आत्मन् (प्रातिपदिक) + रक्त (प्रातिपदिक) + समन्वित (कृदन्त/प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: भूतकृदन्त (क्त) ‘समन्वित’; नपुंसकलिङ्ग, द्वितीया (2nd/Accusative), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः ‘आत्मनः रक्तेन समन्वितम्’

Speaker

Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Ritual efficacy through precise dravya-saṅgraha (materials), color symbolism (red), and intentional offering.

Vedantic Theme: Upāsanā uses form, color, and fragrance to steady mind (citta-ekāgratā) and channel intention.

Application: When performing pūjā or sanctioned rites, follow material specifications carefully; use offerings mindfully rather than mechanically.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shringara

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.182 (sequence of ritual/ābhicārika preparations involving flowers, pigments, and applications)

Characters & Entities

• Vishnu
• Garuda

FAQs

What is the importance of offering five red flowers in the Garuda Purana?

This verse prescribes a specific upacāra (worship offering): five red flowers of different varieties, indicating a regulated, intention-filled ritual act rather than a casual offering.

How does this verse relate to Garuda Purana ritual discipline (ācāra)?

It demonstrates the text’s emphasis on precise materials and method—distinct flower types and saffron admixture—reflecting āgamic/vaidika-style correctness in worship that supports broader dharma and rite-performance.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

When performing pūjā or related observances, use clean, intentional offerings (e.g., red flowers and kumkuma as appropriate) and follow a consistent, respectful procedure rather than improvising carelessly.