Shloka 49
Nakṣatra-Devatā Enumeration and Muhūrta Rules for Travel, Rites, and Yogas
कुर्याच्छतभिषायां च जातकर्मादि मानवः / विशाखा चोत्तरात्रीणि मघार्द्रा भरणी तथा / आश्लेषा कृत्तिका रुद्र ! प्रस्थाने मरणप्रदाः
kuryācchatabhiṣāyāṃ ca jātakarmādi mānavaḥ / viśākhā cottarātrīṇi maghārdrā bharaṇī tathā / āśleṣā kṛttikā rudra ! prasthāne maraṇapradāḥ
मानवाने शतभिषा नक्षत्रात जातकर्मादी संस्कार करावेत. पण हे रुद्र! प्रवासासाठी निघताना विशाखा, उत्तरत्रयी, मघा, आर्द्रा, भरणी, आश्लेषा आणि कृत्तिका—मरणप्रद (अत्यंत अशुभ) सांगितल्या आहेत.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Saṃskāras should be done at supportive times; avoid perilous timings for journeys—dharma includes safeguarding life and rite-integrity.
Vedantic Theme: Karma unfolds through conditions; wise agents choose sattvic conditions and avoid tamasic triggers where possible.
Application: Perform jātakarma and similar rites in Śatabhiṣā (per this passage’s rule-set); avoid beginning journeys under the listed nakṣatras if following tradition, or treat them as ‘high caution’ windows.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.59 (muhūrta rules for saṃskāras and travel); Garuda Purana saṃskāra/antyeṣṭi discussions elsewhere (general ritual framing)
FAQs
This verse shows that the Garuda Purana links the success and safety of rites and travel to proper Nakṣatra timing—Śatabhiṣā is recommended for Jātakarma-like sacraments, while several stars are warned against for departures.
Even within the conduct/ritual section, the text treats wrong timing as a serious risk—so “death-giving” Nakṣatras are explicitly avoided for travel, reflecting the Purana’s emphasis on disciplined observance to avert harm.
Use it as a traditional guideline for choosing a muhurta: prefer auspicious timings for saṃskāras, and avoid starting major journeys on times regarded as highly inauspicious in one’s tradition (ideally with competent calendrical guidance).