Shloka 47
Gayā-kṣetra and Phalgu Tīrtha: Sites, Rites, and the Liberation of the Pitṛs
श्राद्धी तत्र तृतीयायां निश्चिरायाश्च मण्डले / महाह्रदे च कौशिक्यामक्षयं फलमाप्नुयात्
śrāddhī tatra tṛtīyāyāṃ niścirāyāśca maṇḍale / mahāhrade ca kauśikyāmakṣayaṃ phalamāpnuyāt
जो तेथे तृतीया तिथीस निश्चिरा-मंडळात आणि कौशिकीच्या महाह्रदात श्राद्ध करतो, तो अक्षय फल (अविनाशी पुण्य) प्राप्त करतो.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: tṛtīyā (third lunar day) at Niścirā-maṇḍala and at the Mahāhrada on Kauśikī
Concept: Akṣaya-phala arises from properly timed and located śrāddha performed with śraddhā and correctness.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga principle: action gains higher efficacy when offered in alignment with dharma; merit as a means toward purification (citta-śuddhi).
Application: Perform śrāddha on tṛtīyā at the specified mandala/lake; ensure sankalpa includes pitṛ-nāma/gotra, and maintain ritual purity and appropriate dakṣiṇā/anna-dāna.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: ritual circle/mandala and great lake (mahā-hrada) near a river
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.83.49 (Niścirā lake and single-visit/single-piṇḍa rule); Garuda Purana Gayā-śrāddha passages across Pretakalpa/Ācāra sections (recensional)
FAQs
This verse states that Śrāddha performed at specified sacred locations yields akṣaya phala—an unfailing, enduring spiritual merit—especially when done on the indicated tithi.
By emphasizing Śrāddha and tīrtha-observance, the verse supports the Purāṇic view that proper ancestral rites aid the Pitṛs and strengthen dharmic continuity, which in turn supports auspicious outcomes in the after-death journey described elsewhere in the text.
If you perform Śrāddha, prioritize correct tithi, intention, and purity; when possible, do it at a recognized sacred water-body/river setting, dedicating the act to the Pitṛs for lasting merit.