Oṣadhi-nāma-nirdeśa: Paryāya (Synonyms) of Herbs, Minerals, and Classical Measures
मानमेवं विधं प्रोक्तं प्रस्थद्रव्येषु पण्डितैः / द्रवद्रव्येषु चोद्दिष्टं द्विगुणं परिकीर्तितम्
mānamevaṃ vidhaṃ proktaṃ prasthadravyeṣu paṇḍitaiḥ / dravadravyeṣu coddiṣṭaṃ dviguṇaṃ parikīrtitam
Demikianlah tata ukuran ini dinyatakan oleh para pandita bagi bahan yang diukur dengan prastha. Adapun bagi bahan cair, secara tradisi ditetapkan ukurannya menjadi dua kali lipat.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Context-sensitive application of rules: the same measure-system adapts for liquids (dviguṇa) to preserve functional equivalence.
Vedantic Theme: Yukti (appropriate reasoning) within śāstra-following; dharma is precise yet context-aware.
Application: When measuring liquids, apply the prescribed doubling relative to solid-measure conventions; keep separate calibrated vessels for dry and liquid measures.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.204.72-75 (definitions leading to this rule)
This verse stresses that offerings must follow defined standards: dry items follow the prastha-based measure, while liquids are taken as double, ensuring ritual correctness.
Rites for ancestors and the departed rely on precise quantities of grains, ghee, water, and other offerings; the verse provides a rule-of-thumb—double measure for liquids—within that procedural framework.
When performing traditional rites, use consistent measuring standards: keep dry and liquid measures distinct, and consult a knowledgeable priest/textual guideline to maintain fidelity to the prescribed method.