Shloka 12
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
पङ्गावन्धे च काणे च ह्यर्धोन्मीलितलोचने / तिलेषु दर्भान्संस्तीर्य दानमुक्तं तदक्षयम्
paṅgāvandhe ca kāṇe ca hyardhonmīlitalocane / tileṣu darbhānsaṃstīrya dānamuktaṃ tadakṣayam
நொண்டி, ஊனமுற்றவன், ஒற்றைக்கண் உடையவன், அல்லது கண்கள் பாதி மட்டுமே திறக்கும் ஒருவனுக்காக எள்ளின் மேல் தர்பையைப் பரப்பி செய்யும் தானம் ‘அக்ஷயம்’ என போதிக்கப்பட்டது.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Ritual means (upāya) can render dāna akṣaya; physical limitation does not bar merit when dharmic procedure is followed.
Vedantic Theme: Primacy of intention and prescribed means over bodily limitation; karma-phala depends on saṃskāra and dharma, not mere physical capacity.
Application: Enable inclusive ritual practice: when donors are infirm, use simplified but scripturally sanctioned procedures (tilā + darbha) to complete dāna effectively.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana dāna-vidhi sections on tilā, darbha, and akṣaya-dāna; adjacent verses listing purifying gifts
FAQs
This verse states that arranging darbha grass over sesame seeds sanctifies the act of charity so that its merit becomes akṣaya (imperishable), a key aim in śrāddha-related giving.
In the Preta Kanda context, imperishable merit from properly performed dāna supports post-death rites; the verse highlights a prescribed method (tila with darbha) to ensure enduring spiritual benefit.
When performing śrāddha-associated charity, use traditional sanctifiers like sesame and darbha (as per one’s śāstric tradition) and give with reverence, aiming for lasting merit rather than display.