Shloka 27
The Extent of Questions: Deathbed Rites, Kāla (Time), and Karma-Vipāka Rebirths
मृत्युकाले क्षिपेद्दर्भान्करयोरातुरस्य च / दर्भैस्तु क्षिप्यते यो ऽसौ दर्भैस्तु परिवेष्टितः
mṛtyukāle kṣipeddarbhānkarayorāturasya ca / darbhaistu kṣipyate yo 'sau darbhaistu pariveṣṭitaḥ
No momento da morte, deve-se colocar a relva darbha nas mãos do moribundo. De fato, o que parte é guiado e protegido pelas darbhas—posto com elas e, por assim dizer, circundado por elas.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At mṛtyu-kāla (time of death) as part of immediate protective observances preceding formal post-death rites.
Concept: At death, placing darbha in the hands of the departing is a dharmic protective act, symbolically encircling and guiding the jīva.
Vedantic Theme: Upāya at the saṃkramaṇa (transition) moment; external supports steady the mind and ritual order, aiding auspicious gati.
Application: Place clean darbha/kuśa in the dying person’s hands with reverence; maintain a quiet, sattvic atmosphere and continuity of care.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: liminal domestic space
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: kuśa/darbha as pavitra in antyeṣṭi and śrāddha settings; Garuda Purana: protective measures for the preta’s safe passage
FAQs
This verse instructs placing darbha in the dying person’s hands, presenting it as a ritual support that symbolically guards and steadies the departing individual at death.
While not detailing the full journey here, it emphasizes correct death-time observance: the dying person is ritually ‘accompanied’ and ‘encircled’ by darbha, implying protective auspiciousness at the threshold of departure.
If following traditional rites, ensure deathbed observances are calm and dharmic; darbha may be used as prescribed by family tradition or priestly guidance, with the broader takeaway being mindful, reverent support for the dying.