Shloka 96

Veṅkaṭeśa-Māhātmya: Varāha Prelude, Descent of Śeṣācala, Svāmipuṣkariṇī and the Network of Tīrthas

with Dāna-Lakṣaṇas

Devanagari script

कुक्कुटाण्डप्रमाणं च सुसिग्धं नीलवर्णकम् / वदनत्रयसंयुक्तं सट्चक्रैः केसरैर्युतम्

Transliteration

kukkuṭāṇḍapramāṇaṃ ca susigdhaṃ nīlavarṇakam / vadanatrayasaṃyuktaṃ saṭcakraiḥ kesarairyutam

Translation

അത് കോഴിമുട്ടയുടെ വലിപ്പത്തിൽ, അത്യന്തം മിനുസവും തിളക്കവും ഉള്ള, നീലവർണ്ണമുള്ളത്; മൂന്ന് മുഖങ്ങളോടുകൂടി, ആറു ചക്രചിഹ്നങ്ങളും കേശരസദൃശ നാരുകളും ഉള്ളതായിരിക്കും.

Word by Word

• कुक्कुटाण्डप्रमाणम्: of the size of a hen's egg
• कुक्कुटाण्डप्रमाणम्: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कुक्कुट + अण्ड + प्रमाण (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (1/2), एकवचन; विशेषण (Neuter, Nom/Acc, Singular; adjectival)

• च: and
• च: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/connector)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: च (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चयबोधक-अव्यय (conjunction)

• सुसिग्धम्: very smooth/glossy
• सुसिग्धम्: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सु + स्निग्ध (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (1/2), एकवचन; विशेषण (Neuter, Nom/Acc, Singular)

• नीलवर्णकम्: blue-colored
• नीलवर्णकम्: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: नील + वर्णक (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (1/2), एकवचन; विशेषण (Neuter, Nom/Acc, Singular)

• वदनत्रयसंयुक्तम्: joined with three faces
• वदनत्रयसंयुक्तम्: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वदन + त्रय + संयुक्त (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (1/2), एकवचन; विशेषण (Neuter, Nom/Acc, Singular)

• षट्चक्रैः: with six discs/wheels
• षट्चक्रैः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: षट् + चक्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3), बहुवचन (Instrumental plural)

• केसरैः: with filaments/mane-like hairs
• केसरैः: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: केसर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, तृतीया (3), बहुवचन (Instrumental plural)

• युतम्: endowed/connected (with)
• युतम्: Viśeṣaṇa (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: युत (प्रातिपदिक; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त from √युज्)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया (1/2), एकवचन; क्त-प्रत्ययान्त विशेषण (past participle used adjectivally)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Ritual knowledge includes concrete lakṣaṇas: pramāṇa (measure), varṇa (color), snigdhata (luster), mukha-bheda (faces), cakra and keśara marks—supporting correct selection and worship.

Vedantic Theme: The sacred is approached through symbol and sign; disciplined perception (viveka in practice) aligns outer form with inner devotion.

Application: Use the described criteria to identify the intended śilā; handle with cleanliness, avoid commercial adulteration, and preserve the object respectfully (arcā-bhāva).

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: adbhuta

Secondary Rasa: shanta

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.26.94-95 (types and superiority)

Characters & Entities

• Garuda
• Vishnu

FAQs

What is the importance of describing such a form in the Garuda Purana?

This verse functions as a technical identifier—Garuda Purana uses precise visual markers (size, color, faces, markings) to describe subtle entities encountered in the post-death narrative, helping frame the preta-state as a distinct condition needing rites and guidance.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By detailing a non-physical ‘form’ with specific features, the text signals that the jiva’s journey after death is experienced through a subtle embodiment, which becomes the vehicle for perception and suffering/relief until proper rites and karmic outcomes unfold.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

It encourages seriousness about antyeṣṭi and śrāddha (death rites and offerings), ethical living to avoid distressing post-death states, and compassionate support for bereaved families to complete traditional obligations.