Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 15
Svapnādhāya (Dream-Chapter): Causes, Forms, Nourishment, and Liberation of Pretas
भ्रातृध्रुग्ब्रह्महा गोघ्नः सुरापो गुरुतल्पगः / हेमक्षौमहरस्तार्क्ष्य स वै प्रेतत्वमाप्नुयात्
bhrātṛdhrugbrahmahā goghnaḥ surāpo gurutalpagaḥ / hemakṣaumaharastārkṣya sa vai pretatvamāpnuyāt
हे तार्क्ष्य (गरुड)! जो भाई से द्रोह करे, ब्राह्मण-हत्या करे, गो-वध करे, मदिरापान करे, गुरु-शय्या का अपमान करे, या स्वर्ण और उत्तम वस्त्र चुराए—वह निश्चय ही प्रेतत्व को प्राप्त होता है।
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Tārkṣya)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Mahāpātakas (brahmahatyā, gohatyā, surāpāna, gurutalpagamana, and theft of gold/cloth; plus betrayal of brother) precipitate preta-bhāva.
Vedantic Theme: Adharma thickens avidyā and tamas, binding the jīva to painful intermediate states; ethical order is a prerequisite for inner purification.
Application: Avoid the listed grave harms; if committed, seek prāyaścitta under śāstric guidance, cultivate repentance, and adopt sustained dharmic conduct.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: lists of pāpa/mahāpātaka and their fruits; naraka descriptions elsewhere in Pretakalpa
FAQs
This verse identifies major transgressions (mahāpātaka-type acts) that obstruct a peaceful post-death transition, resulting in preta-hood and suffering until proper expiation or rites are completed.
It states that certain grave karmas can bind the departed to a restless intermediate condition (preta), implying delayed progress toward Yama’s lawful journey and onward states due to heavy demerit.
Live by dharma—avoid harm, betrayal, and exploitation; uphold respect for teachers and sacred trusts; and if harm was done, seek ethical rectification and prescribed atonement/ritual support for the departed.