Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 13
The Destiny of Those Who Die Through Fasting & the Procedure of Udakumbha-dāna
जलपात्राणि वृद्धानि दत्तानिघटकानि च / एका वै वर्धनी तत्र तस्यां पात्रन्तु वंशजम्
jalapātrāṇi vṛddhāni dattānighaṭakāni ca / ekā vai vardhanī tatra tasyāṃ pātrantu vaṃśajam
पुराने जल-पात्र और दान किए हुए घट भी अर्पित किए जाएँ। उनमें ‘वर्धनी’ नाम का एक पात्र होता है; उस पात्र में अपने वंश से सम्बद्ध योग्य पात्र (लाभार्थी) को ध्यान में रखकर अर्पण करना चाहिए।
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Within the ongoing preta-śrāddha observances where utensils and offerings are specified
Concept: Use appropriate vessels (including old water pots and donated ghatas); a specific vessel (vardhanī) is singled out, with emphasis on rightful lineage-related beneficiary/recipient alignment.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as right order in means and ends; saṃbandha (proper relation) as a condition for ritual fruit.
Application: Select clean, appropriate utensils; ensure offerings are directed with correct beneficiary intention (lineage/eligibility), avoiding ritual mismatch.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: household ritual logistics (vessels/utensils)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: detailed śrāddha paraphernalia lists; rules about पात्र (worthy recipient) and saṃbandha in rites
FAQs
This verse frames water-vessel donation as a concrete śrāddha-related dāna that supports the preta/pitṛ journey, emphasizing simple, practical gifts tied to sustenance and ritual continuity.
In Preta Kanda, offerings and dāna are presented as aids for the departed; specifying vessels and a proper ‘pātra’ reflects the idea that correct ritual support (right item, right recipient) strengthens the intended post-death benefit.
When performing śrāddha or memorial charity, give useful essentials (like water containers) thoughtfully and to a genuinely suitable recipient, keeping the act aligned with duty, sincerity, and family remembrance.