Shloka 36
Santaptaka’s Encounter with Five Pretas and Their Liberation through Viṣṇu’s Presence
ते विवर्णमुखाः सर्वे तं द्विजञ्च शवं तथा / एकैकं हस्तपादैश्च गृहीत्वा युद्धमारभन्
te vivarṇamukhāḥ sarve taṃ dvijañca śavaṃ tathā / ekaikaṃ hastapādaiśca gṛhītvā yuddhamārabhan
അവർ എല്ലാവരും നിറം മങ്ങിയ മുഖങ്ങളോടെ ആ ദ്വിജനെയും ആ ശവത്തെയും—ഓരോരുത്തൻ ഒരു കൈയോ ഒരു കാലോ പിടിച്ച്—പിടിച്ചുകെട്ടി യുദ്ധം ആരംഭിച്ചു।
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra in the Garuda Purana dialogue frame)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Preta-aggression reflects unresolved craving/karma; attachment to the corpse and violence arise from post-mortem instability.
Vedantic Theme: Preta-state as a product of vāsanā and avidyā; grasping (grahaṇa) symbolizes clinging to the gross.
Application: Address unresolved attachments and harmful impulses early (through ethical living and rites), reducing ‘haunting’ patterns in life and mind.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.7.37 (tearing attack); Garuda Purana Pretakalpa themes on preta-lakṣaṇa and causes (general)
FAQs
This verse highlights how the dead body can become a point of contention and disturbance, underscoring why proper antyeṣṭi (funeral rites) and śrāddha are emphasized to prevent unrest in the post-death transition.
It depicts chaotic, fearful circumstances surrounding the deceased—suggesting that the post-death phase (preta-state) can involve conflict and instability, reinforcing the Purana’s broader teaching that ritual order and dharma support a smoother journey toward Yama’s realm.
Perform death rites respectfully and on time, avoid disputes around funerary matters, and support ethical living (dharma) so that one’s end-of-life transition is approached with clarity rather than turmoil.