Shloka 39
शङ्खे वा ताम्रपात्रे वा अलाभे मृन्मये ऽपि वा / तिलोदकं समादाय सर्वौषधिसमन्वितम्
śaṅkhe vā tāmrapātre vā alābhe mṛnmaye 'pi vā / tilodakaṃ samādāya sarvauṣadhisamanvitam
Ambillah air bijan (tilodaka) di dalam śaṅkha (cangkerang siput suci) atau bekas tembaga; jika tiada, maka dalam bekas tanah liat pun boleh—disediakan bersama segala herba ubatan yang sesuai.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vainateya)
Ritual Type: Parvana
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Preparation step before tarpaṇa/jaladhārā and related śrāddha offerings.
Concept: Anukalpa with integrity: choose proper vessels when available, otherwise acceptable substitutes; prepare tilodaka with aushadhi for ritual efficacy.
Vedantic Theme: Outer purity supports inner purity; intention plus vidhi maintains dharmic continuity even under constraint.
Application: Prefer conch or copper for ritual water; if unavailable, use clean earthenware; prepare sesame-water with appropriate herbs as prescribed.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: ritual preparation area near water source
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.40.38 (jaladhārā to pīṭhas); Garuda Purana 2.40.41 (tāmrapātra dāna with tila)
FAQs
This verse treats tilodaka (sesame-water) as a prescribed ritual medium for preta-rites, emphasizing correct preparation (with herbs) and acceptable vessels, even allowing substitutes when ideal items are unavailable.
It explicitly permits alternatives: conch or copper vessel are preferred, but if unavailable an earthen pot is still valid—showing that sincerity and continuity of rite are prioritized alongside traditional standards.
When performing śrāddha or remembrance rites, follow traditional materials when possible, but do not abandon the rite due to lack of ideal vessels—use a clean substitute and focus on purity, intention, and correct offering.