Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 14
Akālamṛtyu: Preta-state Categories and the Nārāyaṇa-bali / Ekoddiṣṭa Remedy
तडागे जलूपूर्णे वा ह्रदे वा विमलोदके / वाप्यां कूपे गवां गोष्ठे गृहे वा प्रतिमालये
taḍāge jalūpūrṇe vā hrade vā vimalodake / vāpyāṃ kūpe gavāṃ goṣṭhe gṛhe vā pratimālaye
水満ちる池、あるいは清らかで澄んだ水の湖にて、または階段井戸や井戸にて、牛舎にて、家にて、あるいは神像を安置した祠堂にて——これらが相応しい場所である。
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue, instructing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Deśa-śuddhi: suitability of place for rites—pure water sources and sanctified/domestic sacred spaces are acceptable.
Vedantic Theme: External order supports internal recollection; purity (śauca) as an aid to sattvic mind for dharmic action.
Application: Choose a clean, pure-water location or sanctified domestic/temple space for tarpaṇa/related rites when major tīrthas are unavailable.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: waterbody/domestic/sacred-site
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: procedural lists of suitable places for śrāddha/tarpaṇa and rules of śauca
FAQs
This verse lists auspicious, purity-supporting locations—especially clean water-sites and sacred/household spaces—indicating that the setting itself is part of the rite’s effectiveness and dharmic correctness.
In the Preta Kanda’s ritual instructions, it specifies acceptable venues (near pure water, at home, in a temple, etc.), aligning with the text’s broader emphasis on properly performed offerings and observances for the departed.
Perform memorial rites or prayers in clean, respectful spaces—preferably near a clean water source, at home, or in a temple—prioritizing purity, calmness, and sanctity over mere convenience.