Shloka 15
Praise of Vṛṣotsarga (Bull-release), Worthy Dāna, and the Procedure for Kṣayāha & Ūrdhva-daihika Rites
अग्निहोत्राधिभिर्यज्ञैर्दानैश्च विविधैरपि / न तां गतिमवाप्नोति वृषोत्सर्गेण या गतिः
agnihotrādhibhiryajñairdānaiśca vividhairapi / na tāṃ gatimavāpnoti vṛṣotsargeṇa yā gatiḥ
અગ્નિહોત્ર વગેરે યજ્ઞો અને અનેક પ્રકારના દાનોથી પણ જે ગતિ પ્રાપ્ત થતી નથી, તે ગતિ વૃષોત્સર્ગ (ધર્મનંદીનો ઉત્સર્ગ) દ્વારા પ્રાપ્ત થાય છે।
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Certain prescribed dharmic rites can yield a superior gati compared to even major yajñas and dāna.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-kāṇḍa hierarchy and the notion of gati as fruit of dharma; implicit orientation toward auspicious post-mortem destiny.
Application: Undertake vṛṣotsarga with proper intention and procedure; do not assume generic sacrifice/charity automatically equals the highest posthumous benefit.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.14.16 (vṛṣa-yajña as highest); Garuda Purana Pretakalpa sections on śrāddha/ūrdhva-daehika fruits (contextual linkage)
FAQs
This verse elevates vṛṣotsarga as a uniquely powerful dharmic act, stating it grants a spiritual ‘gati’ not reached even through many sacrifices (yajña) or donations (dāna).
By ranking rites and gifts according to the ‘gati’ they produce, it implies that specific śrāddha-related or post-death supportive acts (like vṛṣotsarga) are considered especially effective in aiding the departed toward a higher destination.
Prioritize dharma that is both ritually appropriate and ethically grounded—supporting traditional memorial rites as per one’s lineage and means, while also practicing charity and duty with sincerity.