Shloka 12
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
पङ्गावन्धे च काणे च ह्यर्धोन्मीलितलोचने / तिलेषु दर्भान्संस्तीर्य दानमुक्तं तदक्षयम्
paṅgāvandhe ca kāṇe ca hyardhonmīlitalocane / tileṣu darbhānsaṃstīrya dānamuktaṃ tadakṣayam
Bagi orang yang tempang, cacat, buta sebelah, atau yang matanya hanya terbuka separuh, diajarkan bahawa dana dengan menghamparkan rumput darbha di atas biji bijan adalah dana yang tidak binasa (akṣaya).
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Ritual means (upāya) can render dāna akṣaya; physical limitation does not bar merit when dharmic procedure is followed.
Vedantic Theme: Primacy of intention and prescribed means over bodily limitation; karma-phala depends on saṃskāra and dharma, not mere physical capacity.
Application: Enable inclusive ritual practice: when donors are infirm, use simplified but scripturally sanctioned procedures (tilā + darbha) to complete dāna effectively.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana dāna-vidhi sections on tilā, darbha, and akṣaya-dāna; adjacent verses listing purifying gifts
FAQs
This verse states that arranging darbha grass over sesame seeds sanctifies the act of charity so that its merit becomes akṣaya (imperishable), a key aim in śrāddha-related giving.
In the Preta Kanda context, imperishable merit from properly performed dāna supports post-death rites; the verse highlights a prescribed method (tila with darbha) to ensure enduring spiritual benefit.
When performing śrāddha-associated charity, use traditional sanctifiers like sesame and darbha (as per one’s śāstric tradition) and give with reverence, aiming for lasting merit rather than display.