Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 74
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
एकादशे द्वादशाहे प्रेतो भुङ्क्ते दिनद्वयम् / योषितः पुरुषास्यापि प्रेतशब्दं समुच्चरेत्
ekādaśe dvādaśāhe preto bhuṅkte dinadvayam / yoṣitaḥ puruṣāsyāpi pretaśabdaṃ samuccaret
പതിനൊന്നാം, പന്ത്രണ്ടാം ദിവസങ്ങളിൽ പ്രേതൻ രണ്ടു ദിവസം (അർപ്പണങ്ങൾ) ഭുഞ്ജിക്കുന്നു. അതിനാൽ മരിച്ചവൾ സ്ത്രീയായാലും പുരുഷനായാലും കർമത്തിൽ ‘പ്രേത’ എന്ന പദം ഉച്ചരിക്കണം.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instruction to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Ekādaśa and Dvādaśa days (11th–12th)
Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on correct designation and timing; the departed is addressed as ‘preta’ irrespective of sex during this phase.
Vedantic Theme: Nāma (designation) as a functional marker within vyavahāra; ritual language as a vehicle of saṃskāra.
Application: In śrāddha mantras and sankalpa, use the preta designation consistently for the deceased (woman or man) during the specified days.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: day 11–12 reception and naming conventions in śrāddha (2.15.71–75)
FAQs
This verse states that on the 11th and 12th days the preta is sustained for a two-day span through the ritual offerings, highlighting these days as specifically efficacious for the departed’s nourishment.
It reflects the Garuda Purana’s model that the departed remains in a “preta” condition for a period and is supported by prescribed rites; the offerings are understood to reach and sustain the subtle post-death being.
Perform post-death rites with correct day-counting and clear ritual wording; regardless of gender, use the traditional designation “preta” when reciting sankalpa/mantras connected to these observances.