Shloka 10
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
यच्चानु मोदते पुत्रस्तच्च दानमनन्तकम् / अतो दद्यात् स पुत्रो वा यावज्जीवत्ससौ चिरम् / अतिवाहस्तथा प्रेतो भोगांश्च लभते यतः
yaccānu modate putrastacca dānamanantakam / ato dadyāt sa putro vā yāvajjīvatsasau ciram / ativāhastathā preto bhogāṃśca labhate yataḥ
Apa jua dana yang disetujui dan dianumodakan oleh seorang putera menjadi sedekah yang tidak habis (anantaka). Maka hendaklah si bapa memberi—atau si putera memberi—selama putera itu masih hidup panjang. Dengan pahala itu, si mendiang yang dibawa pergi dalam tubuh halus (ātivāhika) memperoleh kenikmatan.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Anumodana (heir/son’s approval) stabilizes and amplifies dāna-phala, making it ‘anantaka’; merit supports the ātivāhika/preta in transit.
Vedantic Theme: Interdependence of karma across relational networks (saṃbandha) without denying individual agency; dharma of lineage as a means to orderly gati.
Application: Coordinate charitable acts within the family; obtain clear consent/approval from heirs to avoid dispute and to strengthen the intended religious/ethical purpose.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: ātivāhika/preta descriptions and the role of offerings/merit in providing bhoga during transit
FAQs
This verse states that a gift approved and supported by the son becomes “anantaka” (inexhaustible), strengthening the merit dedicated to the departed.
It indicates that the preta, in its carried-along subtle transit state (ativāha), receives ‘bhoga’ (experiences/comforts) through the merit generated by proper dāna connected with family participation.
Perform śrāddha-related charity with family unity and conscious assent—supporting elders in dhārmic giving and dedicating the merit for ancestors with sincerity.