Shloka 22
Vow-Fasting (Anaśana), Sannyāsa, Tīrtha-Death, and the Ethics of Dāna
तीर्थे गत्वा च यः को ऽपि पुनरायाति वै गृहम् / अनुज्ञातः स वै विप्रैः प्रायश्चित्तमथाचरेत्
tīrthe gatvā ca yaḥ ko 'pi punarāyāti vai gṛham / anujñātaḥ sa vai vipraiḥ prāyaścittamathācaret
तीर्थं गत्वा यः कश्चित् पुनरागच्छति गृहं । स विप्रैरनुज्ञातः प्रायश्चित्तमथाचरेत् ॥
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Pilgrimage is not a substitute for prescribed expiation; after returning, one should perform prāyaścitta with proper sanction.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-śuddhi through regulated action; outer rites must align with inner discipline and scriptural procedure.
Application: Do not treat sacred travel as a loophole; complete required restitution/atonement steps after consultation with qualified authorities.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Type: tirtha
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.36.21 (Cāndrāyaṇa and post-expiation conduct); Garuda Purana 2.36.23–25 (tīrtha merit and cautions)
FAQs
This verse states that after visiting a tīrtha and returning home, one should undertake the appropriate expiation—under brāhmaṇa guidance—to restore ritual and ethical purity and complete the pilgrimage properly.
In the Preta Kanda, purity, authorized rites, and corrective penances are emphasized as supports for dharma; such discipline is presented as beneficial for one’s spiritual condition and for properly conducting rites connected with post-death obligations.
After pilgrimage, follow a qualified priest/teacher’s instructions, keep vows honestly, and do a suitable act of purification or charity as one’s tradition prescribes—treating the journey as a dharmic commitment, not only travel.