Shloka 99
Santaptaka’s Encounter with Five Pretas and Their Liberation through Viṣṇu’s Presence
प्रणयेन स्खलद्वाचः खग नोचुः किमप्युत / रजसा गोरचित्तानां तमसा मूढचेतसाम् / कृपया यः समुद्धारं कुरुषे वै नमो ऽस्त ते
praṇayena skhaladvācaḥ khaga nocuḥ kimapyuta / rajasā goracittānāṃ tamasā mūḍhacetasām / kṛpayā yaḥ samuddhāraṃ kuruṣe vai namo 'sta te
Wahai Suparṇa (Garuda), kerana kasih sayang suara mereka terketar-ketar hingga hampir tidak mampu berkata apa-apa. Mereka yang fikirannya menjadi keras oleh rajas dan akalnya dikelabui oleh tamas—dengan belas kasihan engkau benar-benar mengangkat dan menyelamatkan mereka; sembah sujud kepadamu.
Departed beings/afflicted souls (collectively) addressing Garuda
Concept: Compassionate grace uplifts even those clouded by rajas and tamas when they turn with reverence.
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa-bound mind as cause of delusion; liberation/uplift through sattva-awakening aided by divine/saintly compassion (anugraha).
Application: Cultivate humility and devotion; seek elevating association and practices that reduce rajas/tamas (japa, sat-saṅga, seva, restraint).
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: emphasis on guṇas shaping post-mortem fate and the saving power of devotion/recitation; Garuda Purana: praise of Garuḍa/Vishnu as deliverers from preta-state
FAQs
This verse links harshness and delusion to rajas and tamas, implying that a soul’s post-death condition mirrors its inner qualities and tendencies cultivated in life.
It suggests that some departed beings are too overcome by agitation (rajas) and darkness (tamas) to even speak clearly, and therefore require compassionate assistance for uplift and safe passage.
Cultivate clarity (sattva) through ethical living, restraint, and prayer; and support the departed with compassionate rites and remembrance rather than fear or neglect.