Shloka 41
Cikitsā-sāra: Doṣa Nidāna–Lakṣaṇa, Agni, Ajīrṇa/Āma Cikitsā, Daśamūla, and Prognostic Signs
गात्रभङ्गं शिरोजाड्यं भक्तदोषादयो गदान् / तस्मिन्स्वापो दिवा कार्योलङ्घनं च विवर्जनम्
gātrabhaṅgaṃ śirojāḍyaṃ bhaktadoṣādayo gadān / tasminsvāpo divā kāryolaṅghanaṃ ca vivarjanam
அங்கங்கள் முறிந்ததுபோல் உடல்வலி, தலை கனத்தும் மந்தமும், மேலும் தவறான/விருத்த உணவால் உண்டாகும் நோய்கள் இருந்தால், அந்நிலையில் பகலில் உறங்க வேண்டும்; லங்கனம் (உண்ணாமை/உபவாசம்) தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்।
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Pathya-apathya (appropriate vs. inappropriate regimen) and compassion toward the body as an instrument of dharma.
Vedantic Theme: Sharira as sādhanā-upakaraṇa; moderation (yukta-āhāra-vihāra) supports sattva and steadiness.
Application: When severe body-ache, head heaviness, or food-incompatibility disorders arise, permit daytime sleep for recovery; avoid fasting/forced abstinence that worsens weakness.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.168.42-45 (continuation of digestive/āma management and pathya)
FAQs
This verse treats improper diet as a direct cause of disease and gives a practical rule: prioritize restorative rest and do not intensify weakness through fasting.
Rather than afterlife doctrine, the verse focuses on dharmic self-care: maintaining the body through correct regimen supports one’s capacity for duty and spiritual practice.
If symptoms follow dietary mistakes (heaviness, body ache), rest and avoid aggressive fasting; correct diet and gentle recovery are emphasized.