Shloka 13
Dāna-dharma: Threefold Classification, Right Recipients, Auspicious Timing, and Fruits of Gifts
गन्धादिभिः समभ्यर्च्य वाचयेद्वा स्वयं वदेत् / प्रीयतां धर्मराजेति यथा मनसि वर्तते
gandhādibhiḥ samabhyarcya vācayedvā svayaṃ vadet / prīyatāṃ dharmarājeti yathā manasi vartate
Setelah memuja dengan wangi-wangian dan seumpamanya, hendaklah ia meminta dibacakan—atau membacanya sendiri—dengan ucapan: “Semoga Dharmarāja berkenan,” sebagaimana hati cenderung.
Lord Vishnu (to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: During the worship/feeding sequence as a dedicatory recitation
Concept: Ritual sincerity and intention: worship with offerings and recitation, explicitly dedicating it to Dharmarāja’s pleasure according to one’s mental disposition.
Vedantic Theme: Saṅkalpa and bhāva (inner attitude) as determinants of ritual fruit; dharma as cosmic order overseen by Yama.
Application: When performing rites, add clear intention/dedication; maintain ethical accountability; adapt non-essential ritual details to capacity while preserving sincerity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: deity-focused ritual locus
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa dialogues where Yama/Dharmarāja is central authority; Garuda Purana prescriptions for mantra/recitation during śrāddha and dāna
FAQs
This verse frames Dharmarāja as the upholder of justice and dharma; worship and sincere recitation are presented as a way to seek his favorable disposition in matters connected with post-death order and karmic adjudication.
It explicitly allows either arranging a recitation by others or reciting personally, emphasizing that devotional intent—“as the mind is inclined”—is central, alongside simple ritual worship with offerings like fragrance.
When performing remembrance rites or devotional readings, combine simple respectful offerings (like incense) with heartfelt, attentive recitation, keeping the intention aligned with dharma rather than mere formality.