Shloka 17
Aśva–Gaja Āyurveda: Marks, Defects, Wounds, Doṣa-Therapy, and Protective Rites
अधमे ऽष्टपलानि स्युर्मध्यमे स्युश्चतुर्दश / शरन्निदाघयोर्नैवदेयं नैव तु दापयेत्
adhame 'ṣṭapalāni syurmadhyame syuścaturdaśa / śarannidāghayornaivadeyaṃ naiva tu dāpayet
अधम श्रेणीत आठ पल, मध्यम श्रेणीत चौदा पल मानले आहेत. परंतु शरद ऋतू व ग्रीष्माच्या कडक उष्णतेत हे देऊ नये, आणि दुसऱ्याकडूनही देऊ लावू नये.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Appropriate measure (mātrā) and proper timing (kāla) govern what may be given; avoid giving in unsuitable seasons.
Vedantic Theme: Kāla-niyama and yukti (appropriateness) as supports for sattvic order.
Application: Follow prescribed quantities by grade; suspend the giving in autumn and peak summer; do not instruct others to do it either.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: sections on dāna/niyama and seasonal do’s/don’ts (kāla-vidhi) in ritual/charity contexts
FAQs
This verse indicates that ritual offerings/gifts are graded by measure (e.g., 8 palas for a lower grade and 14 for a middle grade), showing that Garuda Purana treats ritual accuracy and proportionality as part of dharma.
It states a seasonal restriction—during śarad (autumn) and nidāgha (peak heat/summer), the act is ‘not to be given,’ implying that timing is a dharmic condition for the rite’s appropriateness and efficacy.
If following traditional observances, align śrāddha-related giving with prescribed timing and consult a qualified priest/panchāṅga; more broadly, treat ethical and religious duties as requiring both right intention and right context (time, place, capacity).