Shloka 26
Tila–Darbha–Maṇḍala in Aūrdhvadaihika: Protection, Eligibility, and the Merit of Salt-Dāna
हस्ताभ्यामुद्धृतैर्दर्भैस्तोयेन प्रोक्षयेद्भुवम् / मृत्युकाले क्षिपेद्दर्भानातुरस्य करद्वये
hastābhyāmuddhṛtairdarbhaistoyena prokṣayedbhuvam / mṛtyukāle kṣipeddarbhānāturasya karadvaye
ใช้หญ้าดรภะที่ยกด้วยสองมือพรมน้ำโปรยลงบนพื้นให้เป็นการโปรกษณะ. ครั้นถึงกาลมรณะ จงวางหญ้าดรภะไว้ในมือทั้งสองของผู้กำลังสิ้นใจ.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: Mṛtyu-kāla (at the time of death)
Concept: Proper mṛtyu-kāla observance: purify the space with water and darbha; equip the dying person with darbha as a pavitra support.
Vedantic Theme: Saṃskāra at the end of life: disciplined action and sacred symbols stabilize mind and environment, supporting auspicious gati.
Application: Prepare a clean, sanctified area; sprinkle water with darbha; gently place darbha in both hands of the dying person while maintaining a calm devotional atmosphere.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: domestic ritual space / prepared ground
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: mṛtyu-kāla vidhi and use of darbha/pavitra (thematic)
FAQs
This verse prescribes darbha as a ritual implement at death-time: it is used with water for purification of the space and is placed in the dying person’s hands as part of the prescribed final observances.
By emphasizing orderly death-time rites—purifying the place and preparing the dying person—this verse frames the departure as a guided transition, where correct observance supports a calmer, dharmic passage into the post-death journey described in the Preta Kanda.
If following tradition, keep the environment clean and calm, and perform rites only under guidance of knowledgeable elders/priests; the broader takeaway is to approach end-of-life moments with reverence, purity, and steadiness rather than panic.