Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 55
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
जनाः सर्वे समास्तस्य गृहमागत्य सर्वशः / द्वारस्य दक्षिणे भागे गोमयं गौरसर्षपान्
janāḥ sarve samāstasya gṛhamāgatya sarvaśaḥ / dvārasya dakṣiṇe bhāge gomayaṃ gaurasarṣapān
Semua orang berkumpul dan datang ke rumahnya dari segala arah. Di sisi kanan (selatan) pintu, mereka meletakkan kotoran sapi (gomaya) dan biji sawi putih.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Upon returning to the house after cremation, during immediate post-funeral household measures.
Concept: Ritual purity and protection are maintained through simple substances and correct placement; community solidarity supports the bereaved household.
Vedantic Theme: External śauca supports internal steadiness; dharma regulates liminal transitions to reduce fear and disorder.
Application: After funeral return, mark and cleanse the threshold with traditional purifiers/protectives as per local custom, maintaining hygiene and respectful boundaries.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: threshold/limen of home
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: household śauca and protective measures around death-impurity (general internal motif)
FAQs
This verse presents a protective and purificatory doorway rite: gomaya (cow-dung) is used for ritual cleanliness, and mustard seeds are traditionally used as an apotropaic measure to ward off inauspicious influences during death-related observances.
It emphasizes communal gathering at the deceased’s home and specifies a practical ritual action at the entrance, indicating that death rites involve both social participation and boundary-protection of the household space.
Maintain a respectful, orderly household environment during mourning, follow one’s tradition’s prescribed rites for cleanliness and sanctity, and prioritize community support for the bereaved family.