Shloka 126
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
अदाहे न च कर्तव्यं सदाहे कारयेद्बुधः / दर्भपुत्तलकं कृत्वा वह्निना दाहयेच्छवम्
adāhe na ca kartavyaṃ sadāhe kārayedbudhaḥ / darbhaputtalakaṃ kṛtvā vahninā dāhayecchavam
Si la crémation ne peut être accomplie, rien ne doit être fait en guise de substitut. Mais lorsque la crémation est possible, le sage doit la faire exécuter : en façonnant une effigie d’herbe darbha et en brûlant le corps par le feu.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At antyeṣṭi (cremation time) when dāha becomes possible
Concept: Do not improvise invalid substitutes when cremation is impossible; when possible, perform proper dāha using agni, employing a darbha effigy as ritual aid.
Vedantic Theme: Body as perishable upādhi; correct saṃskāra honors cosmic order while recognizing impermanence.
Application: Prioritize lawful, safe cremation; avoid superstitious substitutes; when circumstances allow, complete last rites with proper materials and guidance.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: cremation_ground
Related Themes: Garuda Purana antima-saṃskāra passages on dāha, agni, and śmaśāna conduct; Related instructions on preta rites contingent on cremation
FAQs
This verse treats cremation as the proper completion of the last rite: when dāha is feasible, the wise should ensure it is performed using fire, indicating that burning the body is the standard dharmic method of disposal.
In the Preta Kanda context, correct last rites help order the transition after death; this verse emphasizes completing the bodily rite (cremation) properly, which supports the intended post-death progression described in the text.
Follow lawful, locally permitted funeral procedures that align with the core intent: if cremation is possible, arrange it respectfully; if not, avoid improvised substitutes and seek guidance from knowledgeable priests/elders for acceptable rites.