Shloka 42
Svapnādhāya (Dream-Chapter): Causes, Forms, Nourishment, and Liberation of Pretas
शीघ्रं गच्छति विप्रेण याचितः क्षुधितेन वै / एतत्कारणमुद्दिश्य शीघ्रगो ऽयं द्विजोत्तम
śīghraṃ gacchati vipreṇa yācitaḥ kṣudhitena vai / etatkāraṇamuddiśya śīghrago 'yaṃ dvijottama
Apabila seorang brāhmaṇa yang lapar memohon, pemberian itu sampai kepadanya dengan segera. Atas sebab inilah, wahai yang terbaik antara yang dua kali lahir, ia disebut “Śīghraga” — si yang pantas bergerak cepat.”
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Timely dāna to a hungry worthy recipient yields immediate efficacy; ‘Śīghraga’ signifies swift fruition/transfer.
Vedantic Theme: Sattvic action bears quick, clarifying fruit; dharma aligns the individual with cosmic order.
Application: Prioritize urgent needs; practice anna-dāna and responsive generosity without procrastination.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: upadesha (definition/etymology)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: merit of anna-dāna; efficacy of gifts when properly offered (Pretakalpa adjacent material)
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that charity offered upon request to a hungry brāhmaṇa is considered immediately efficacious—its merit is understood to “reach” swiftly, making it a prized form of dharmic giving in Preta Kanda contexts.
In Preta Kanda, timely gifts and offerings are described as producing quick spiritual results; this verse supports the idea that properly directed dana can rapidly generate merit that aids the departed (preta) through post-death transitions.
Practice prompt, compassionate giving—especially food or support to those in genuine need and to qualified religious recipients—without delay when asked, as a disciplined form of dharma and remembrance-oriented charity.