Shloka 74
Yamamārga, Antyeṣṭi-vidhi, and Daśāhika Piṇḍa-dāna
Road to Yama and Ten-Day Offerings
एकादशे द्वादशाहे प्रेतो भुङ्क्ते दिनद्वयम् / योषितः पुरुषास्यापि प्रेतशब्दं समुच्चरेत्
ekādaśe dvādaśāhe preto bhuṅkte dinadvayam / yoṣitaḥ puruṣāsyāpi pretaśabdaṃ samuccaret
ਗਿਆਰ੍ਹਵੇਂ ਅਤੇ ਬਾਰ੍ਹਵੇਂ ਦਿਨ ਪ੍ਰੇਤ ਦੋ ਦਿਨ (ਅਰਪਣ) ਭੋਗਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਮ੍ਰਿਤਕ ਇਸਤਰੀ ਹੋਵੇ ਜਾਂ ਪੁਰਖ, ਕਰਮ ਵਿੱਚ ‘ਪ੍ਰੇਤ’ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਉਚਾਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue instruction to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Ekādaśa and Dvādaśa days (11th–12th)
Concept: Ritual efficacy depends on correct designation and timing; the departed is addressed as ‘preta’ irrespective of sex during this phase.
Vedantic Theme: Nāma (designation) as a functional marker within vyavahāra; ritual language as a vehicle of saṃskāra.
Application: In śrāddha mantras and sankalpa, use the preta designation consistently for the deceased (woman or man) during the specified days.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: day 11–12 reception and naming conventions in śrāddha (2.15.71–75)
FAQs
This verse states that on the 11th and 12th days the preta is sustained for a two-day span through the ritual offerings, highlighting these days as specifically efficacious for the departed’s nourishment.
It reflects the Garuda Purana’s model that the departed remains in a “preta” condition for a period and is supported by prescribed rites; the offerings are understood to reach and sustain the subtle post-death being.
Perform post-death rites with correct day-counting and clear ritual wording; regardless of gender, use the traditional designation “preta” when reciting sankalpa/mantras connected to these observances.