Shloka 26
The Explanation of the Post-funeral Rites (Aurdhvadehika) and Related Matters
विप्राणां दीयते दानं सर्वोपद्रवनाशनम् / सूतकान्ते च सत्पुत्रैः स प्रेतो लभते गतिम्
viprāṇāṃ dīyate dānaṃ sarvopadravanāśanam / sūtakānte ca satputraiḥ sa preto labhate gatim
ทานที่ถวายแก่พราหมณ์ย่อมทำลายอุปัทวะทั้งปวง; และเมื่อสิ้นสุตกะแล้ว หากบุตรผู้ประพฤติดีประกอบพิธีโดยถูกต้อง ดวงวิญญาณเปรตนั้นย่อมได้คติอันเป็นมงคล
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Ritual Type: Ekoddishta
Beneficiary: Pitr
Timing: At sūtaka-anta (end of death-impurity), with dāna and proper concluding rites by sons
Concept: Charity to brāhmaṇas removes afflictions; when sons perform proper rites at aśauca’s end, the preta gains favorable gati.
Vedantic Theme: Karma’s fruits can be shaped by dharmic action; compassionate duty of descendants supports continuity and peace.
Application: Give appropriate dāna to qualified recipients; complete post-aśauca rites punctually and correctly to support family well-being and memorial obligations.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: gṛha/śrāddha-sthāna and dāna-sthāna (place of gifting)
Related Themes: 2.35.24 on sūtaka-anta śānti; 2.35.25 on remedial dāna for pañcaka death; Garuda Purana Pretakalpa teachings on preta-gati aided by śrāddha and dāna
FAQs
This verse states that dāna given to brāhmaṇas is “sarvopadrava-nāśanam,” removing obstacles and distress, and thereby supporting the preta’s smooth onward progress.
It implies that the departed remains in a preta-condition and gains “gati” (favorable movement/destination) when the living—especially virtuous sons—complete the required observances at the end of sūtaka along with appropriate charity.
During bereavement, follow the tradition’s timing and duties (including the close of sūtaka), and practice thoughtful charity—especially in connection with memorial rites—so actions are aligned with dharma and support family responsibility.