Shloka 11
Dharma–Adharma Marks; Daśāha, Piṇḍa Formation, Śrāddha Calendar, Śayyā-dāna, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa Rules
दह्यमानस्य प्रेतस्य स्वजनैर्यो जलाञ्जलिः / दीयते प्रेतरूपो ऽसौ प्रीतो याति यमालये
dahyamānasya pretasya svajanairyo jalāñjaliḥ / dīyate pretarūpo 'sau prīto yāti yamālaye
Ketika jasad sedang dibakar, apabila sanak saudara sendiri memberikan persembahan air (jalāñjali) kepada preta, maka makhluk itu—tetap dalam rupa preta—menjadi senang dan meneruskan perjalanan ke kediaman Yama (Yamalaya).
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vainateya)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: During cremation (while the body is being burned).
Concept: Jalāñjali by relatives during cremation directly affects the preta’s satisfaction and facilitates its onward journey.
Vedantic Theme: Subtle continuity and ritual efficacy at saṃskāra thresholds; compassion expressed as dharma has trans-physical consequence.
Application: During antyeṣṭi, relatives should perform prescribed water-offerings with attention and reverence, supporting the departed’s transition.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: cremation site
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: antyeṣṭi and immediate post-cremation udaka/tarpaṇa instructions; preta’s dependence on udaka and piṇḍa
FAQs
This verse states that a jalāñjali offered by relatives during cremation pleases the departed in the preta-state and supports the onward movement toward Yama’s abode—highlighting it as a consoling and duty-bound rite.
It presents the deceased as existing as a preta-form immediately after death/cremation, responsive to offerings from kin, and then proceeding on the post-death route associated with Yama’s realm.
Perform last rites with care—especially water-offerings and remembrance—treating them as acts of responsibility and compassion toward the departed and as a practice that reinforces family dharma.