Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 22
Garuḍa’s Return to Vaikuṇṭha and the Comprehensive Inquiry into Death-Rites and the Preta’s Journey
लोचनाभ्यामश्रु मुञ्चन्प्रेममग्नो ननाम ह / नमागतं नतं स्वीय वाहनं विष्णुरब्रवीत् / भूमिः का लङ्घिता पक्षिंस्त्वयेयन्तमनेहसम्
locanābhyāmaśru muñcanpremamagno nanāma ha / namāgataṃ nataṃ svīya vāhanaṃ viṣṇurabravīt / bhūmiḥ kā laṅghitā pakṣiṃstvayeyantamanehasam
愛に圧倒され、両眼より涙を流して彼は伏して礼拝した。自らの乗り物が来て拝するのを見て、主ヴィシュヌは仰せになった。「おお鳥よ、疲れもなくかくも速く来たが、いかなる大地を越えて来たのか。」
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Prema-bhakti expresses as tears and prostration; the Lord responds personally, acknowledging service (vahana) and asking about the devotee’s journey.
Vedantic Theme: Saguna Brahman’s grace (prasada) and relational accessibility; devotion as a means of inner purification.
Application: Practice namaskara with sincerity; let devotion translate into service without pride; remember that divine grace is experienced as guidance and intimate dialogue.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: divine abode
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: dialogues of Vishnu with Garuda; stuti and prasada motifs (general parallel)
FAQs
This verse highlights Garuda’s intimate service and devotion to Vishnu, establishing Garuda as the trusted listener through whom the Purana’s teachings—especially about death and the afterlife—are transmitted.
It frames the text as a direct conversation: Garuda approaches with reverence, and Vishnu responds with affectionate inquiry—preparing the ground for detailed instruction that follows.
Approach sacred learning with humility and devotion (like Garuda’s bow), and cultivate attentive questioning (like Vishnu’s inquiry) to receive and apply spiritual guidance sincerely.