Shloka 17
Dāna-dharma: Threefold Classification, Right Recipients, Auspicious Timing, and Fruits of Gifts
सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो नरो भवति निश्चितम् / यो हि यां देवतामिच्छेत्समाराधयितुं नरः
sarvapāpavinirmukto naro bhavati niścitam / yo hi yāṃ devatāmicchetsamārādhayituṃ naraḥ
सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तो नरो भवति निश्चितम्; यो यां देवतामिच्छेत् समाराधयितुं नरः।
Lord Vishnu (addressing Garuda)
Concept: Proper propitiation (samarādhana) of the desired deity, grounded in intent and method, results in freedom from sins.
Vedantic Theme: Efficacy of śraddhā and upāsanā as mind-purifiers; unity of the divine approached through chosen forms (iṣṭa) within a dharmic framework.
Application: Choose a consistent devotional practice (mantra, pūjā, vrata) aligned with tradition; perform with regularity, ethical conduct, and correct procedure rather than scattered experimentation.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: general doctrinal statement
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: recurring emphasis that śraddhā-yukta worship and dāna reduce pāpa
FAQs
This verse states that sincere and proper worship of one’s chosen deity is a direct means to become freed from sins, emphasizing devotion as a purifier.
By highlighting sin-removal through worship, it implies that purification of karma supports a smoother spiritual course, reducing obstacles that arise from pāpa.
Choose a form of the Divine you resonate with, worship consistently with ethical conduct and sincerity, and treat devotion as a discipline for inner purification.