Shloka 21
Vīrya, Māyā/Prakṛti, Śrī’s Inseparability, Paramāṇu, and Hari’s Infinitude
स्थितौ तत्र निमित्तं च ब्रूहि कृष्ण मम प्रभो
sthitau tatra nimittaṃ ca brūhi kṛṣṇa mama prabho
โอ้พระกฤษณะผู้เป็นนายของข้าพเจ้า! โปรดตรัสบอกถึงสภาพที่เป็นอยู่ ณ ที่นั้น และนิมิต (เครื่องหมาย/เหตุบ่งชี้) ของมันแก่ข้าพเจ้า
Garuda (Vinata-putra), addressing Lord Vishnu (Krishna)
Concept: Epistemic humility: requesting nimitta (indicator/ground) and sthiti (state/condition) to properly understand a subtle doctrinal point.
Vedantic Theme: Śravaṇa–manana orientation; pramāṇa-seeking before conclusion; clarity on nimitta/upādāna distinctions (hinted by ‘nimitta’).
Application: Ask for definitions and criteria before forming judgments—seek the ‘signs’ and ‘conditions’ that make an interpretation valid.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.3.22 (Kṛṣṇa’s reply begins)
FAQs
This verse frames nimitta as a valid subject of dharmic inquiry—Garuda requests Vishnu to explain the indicators and the actual state, implying that signs are meant to guide understanding and right action, not mere superstition.
It introduces the inquiry into what the departed experiences “there” (tatra)—the condition/state and its indications—setting up Vishnu’s subsequent explanation of the preta’s post-death situation and its discernible markers.
Approach death-related signs and rituals with clarity: seek authoritative teaching, understand the purpose behind rites, and focus on dharma-based conduct rather than fear-driven interpretations.