Shloka 16
The Extent of Questions: Deathbed Rites, Kāla (Time), and Karma-Vipāka Rebirths
मम स्वेदसमुद्भूतास्तिलास्तार्क्ष्य पवित्रकाः / असुरा दानवा दैत्या विद्रवन्ति तिलैस्तथा
mama svedasamudbhūtāstilāstārkṣya pavitrakāḥ / asurā dānavā daityā vidravanti tilaistathā
ഹേ താർക്ഷ്യാ! എന്റെ വിയർപ്പിൽ നിന്നു ജനിച്ച എള്ളുകൾ സ്വഭാവതഃ പവിത്രകരങ്ങളാണ്; അതുകൊണ്ട് കർമങ്ങളിൽ എള്ളുപയോഗിക്കുമ്പോൾ അസുരരും ദാനവരും ദൈത്യരും അകന്നു ഓടിപ്പോകുന്നു.
Lord Vishnu
Beneficiary: Pitr
Concept: Tilā (sesame) is intrinsically purifying and functions as a protective substance in rites, repelling negative forces.
Vedantic Theme: Śakti of dravya (ritual substance) when sanctioned by śāstra and divine provenance; purity (śuddhi) as a support for dharmic action.
Application: Use sesame in śrāddha/tarpaṇa and related rites as a purifier and protective element; treat ritual materials as meaningful, not merely symbolic.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.2.17-2.2.19 on sesame’s sin-burning, imperishable merit, and origin; Garuda Purana śrāddha sections emphasizing tilā and darbha as key dravyas
FAQs
This verse states that sesame is born from Vishnu’s perspiration and is intrinsically purifying, which is why it is prescribed in rites like tarpaṇa and śrāddha as a protective and sanctifying substance.
It explains an apotropaic principle: the use of til in ritual acts creates a purifying field that repels hostile or obstructive beings (Asuras, Dānavas, Daityas), supporting the deceased’s peaceful transition and the family’s ritual safety.
When performing śrāddha/tarpaṇa or related ancestral rites, use sesame with reverence and purity of intent, understanding it as a traditional purifier meant to remove obstacles and support dharmic remembrance of ancestors.