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
Wahai Tārkṣya (Garuda), pengkhianat saudara, pembunuh brāhmaṇa, pembunuh sapi, peminum minuman keras, pelanggar ranjang guru, serta pencuri emas dan kain halus—ia sungguh mencapai keadaan preta.
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.